Senator BOLKUS —My question is to Senator Hill, representing the Prime Minister. Did the Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, Senator Minchin, forward a list of proposed delegates to the Constitutional Convention to the Prime Minister for his approval? Did he or anyone else inform the Prime Minister that Mr Benjamin Myers had been officially reprimanded by the Queensland state Liberal Party President, Mr Bob Tucker, for internal Liberal Party rorting? Why do the biographies issued by the Prime Minister's office fail to mention Mr Myers's political affiliations or those of at least two other ultra-Right Young Liberals who were appointed to the convention by your government? Why did you try to deceive the Australian public?

Senator HILL —I read the same press comment this morning, Senator Bolkus. It was probably sourced by you; I am not sure. The important thing is that we are proud of the fact that nearly a quarter of the non-parliamentary appointments are of young people between the ages of 18 and 25, and that each state and territory is represented. Some of these young people nominated themselves to us directly and others were brought to our attention as a result of suggestions we sought from the Australian Labor Party, the Australian Democrats, the Australian Republican Movement and the organisation of Australians for a Constitutional Monarchy. We are confident that they are a fine group of Australians who have been selected on the basis of their interest in and capacity to discuss constitutional issues and their ability to represent young people.

I should also point out that, contrary to some of the wild figures being bandied about, the most recent Newspoll survey in July by one of the most republican newspapers has shown that 52 per cent of young people between the ages of 18 and 34 are in favour of a republic and 48 per cent are opposed or undecided.

I should also mention the potential for young people to be elected through the election process. I hope that they will stand and I hope that the voters will understand the involvement of young people in this constitutional reform process and give young people the opportunity for further representatives that way.

Senator BOLKUS —Madam President, I ask a supplementary question. Minister, why do you continue to deceive?

Senator Abetz —Withdraw that.

Senator BOLKUS —Is it not a fact that the Newspoll survey that you mentioned shows 52 per cent of young Australians in favour of a republic and only 26 per cent against?

Senator Alston —Madam President, I raise a point of order. That is clearly unparliamentary. You are not entitled to cast those aspersions. That is a clear imputation of improper and deceitful conduct and it is not permitted.

The PRESIDENT —I think it is an introduction to a question that ought not to be used. I would ask you to withdraw it and continue with your question.

Senator BOLKUS —I withdraw. Minister, 52 per cent in favour and 26 per cent against—that is two to one. Minister, as you have been a victim yourself of rorting in the South Australian division of the Liberal Party, do you support exporting these South Australian practices to Queensland?

Senator HILL —What I support is the participation of young people in this Constitutional Convention. I want to see them broadly representative of the various views in the Australian community. I think that is good. I think that they will bring a refreshing approach to the debate—probably a little beyond your contribution, Senator Bolkus, because you opposed the Constitutional Convention in this place.

I would say to Senator Faulkner, in answer to the previous question: yes, the distribution of the Commonwealth parliamentary delegates is broadly based on representation in parliament. We have about 60 per cent of members and senators; the non-government parties and Independents have about 40 per cent.