Senator SANDY MACDONALD(4.17 p.m.) —I have very little time to make a contribution to this committee report and the minority report. In the brief time that I have available, I would like to say something about Senator Margetts's contribution. Senator Margetts starts from the premise that to leave uranium in the ground is the only place for it—there is simply no room for discussion. To Senator Margetts, the Senate committee's deliberations were a waste of time.

In the brief time available to me I wish to make the point about the very low standard of submissions of the environmental groups that opposed the uranium industry in Australia. These groups make conclusions with no evidence—real or imagined—to support their views. They do not acknowledge the strict supervision of the whole nuclear industry, the unique level of the resource in Australia, the financial returns which allow for tight regulation—Ranger is probably the most highly and tightly regulated mine in the world—the advantages of the balance of trade from the development of the uranium industry, the safeguards that apply and, importantly, the contribution that nuclear energy has in addressing the greenhouse problem.

My advice to Senator Margetts and her supporters is to do some up-to-date research before hitting the campaign trail. She should try to develop arguments rather than using the tired, embarrassing, unfulfilled cliches of the 1960s and 1970s. I do not mean to offend Senator Margetts, but she is, unfortunately, typical of somebody who works from emotion and then seeks the evidence to support her opinion.

Time prevents me from telling a story or two of Senator Margetts's involvement in the committee work, but I cannot let the opportunity pass without mentioning a visit to Cotton Creek, which—(Time expired)

The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT (Senator McKiernan) —You can actually, Senator Macdonald. Your time has expired. Do you wish to keep this matter on the Notice Paper ?

Senator SANDY MACDONALD —Yes, I do.

The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT —Seek leave to continue your remarks later and that will do that.

Senator Sandy Macdonald —I seek leave to continue my remarks later.

Leave granted.

Senator Lees —I seek leave to make a brief statement on this matter as a member of the committee, particularly in light of the comments that have been made about the minority report.

Senator Ferguson —Mr Acting Deputy President, on a point of order: a time is allowed for speaking to the report; there were two signatories to the minority report and five in favour of the major committee report. Senator Lees says that she seeks leave to speak as the only other signatory to the minority report. There are time limits in place. There is a time and place where this issue can be spoken on where I and others will speak at a later stage. Senator Macdonald has sought leave to continue his remarks. I do not agree that Senator Lees should have leave.

Senator Brown —On the point of order: it is quite in order for Senator Macdonald to have sought the same leave that Senator Lees is seeking now. I for one would have granted it to him. He sought a different form of leave and I agreed to that. It is up to the Senate to determine whether or not Senator Lees will be given the opportunity to speak now on a very important matter or whether she is going to be refused that opportunity, and that will speak for itself.

Senator Campbell —On the point of the order: there are a number of things that do need to be done, including the tabling of a report in relation to paedophile activity within the foreign affairs portfolio. That is a change in the routine of business and would, I think, take a couple of minutes. If all of the people in this chamber who want leave to continue to speak about the uranium inquiry wanted to divide up the remaining time—which would be less than 10 minutes—then I think that would be a fair way to go.

Senator Lees would agree that, if Senator Macdonald wanted to speak and she wanted to speak and Senator Ferguson wanted to speak—and maybe someone else—it would be unfair for the Senate to give leave to just one person. I would propose on this point of order, Mr Acting Deputy President, that, if the government was allowed to get these matters tabled, it should only take a minute or two. If I sit down and let everyone else have a couple of minutes, you will have until 4.30 till the standing orders click in and stop you. Perhaps you could work out an agreement while I do this.

The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT —There is no point of order on the point of order that was raised. It is quite in order for any senator at any time to seek leave to speak. It is then a matter for the Senate. That being the case, is leave granted for Senator Lees to make her contribution?

Leave not granted.