Senator GIBBS —My question is directed to Senator Hill, the Minister representing the Minister for Sport, Territories and Local Government. Can the minister confirm whether Mr Alan Cadman has been approached with a view to becoming the next Administrator of Norfolk Island? Can the minister say whether newspaper reports of such an approach were accurate or will the appointment go to yet another of the Prime Minister's former flatmates, ex-senator Tony Messner?

Senator HILL —I can confirm that both Alan Cadman and Tony Messner would be well qualified for the job. I have no doubt that there are others in the community who are well qualified as well. All I can say to the honourable senator is that, as I understand it, no appointment has been made at this time, and we should all wait patiently.