Senator IAN CAMPBELL —I give notice that, on the next day of sitting, I shall move:

That the provisions of paragraphs (5) to (7) of standing order 111 not apply to the Electoral and Referendum Amendment Bill (No. 2) 1998, allowing it to be considered during this period of sittings.

I also table a statement of reasons justifying the need for this bill to be considered during this sittings and seek leave to have the statement incorporated in Hansard . Copies of the statement have already been circulated in the chamber.

Leave granted.

The statement read as follows—

Purpose of Proposed Bill: To amend the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 and the Referendum (Machinery Provisions) Act 1984 to give effect to the reform measures arising out of the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters report on the 1996 federal election.

Reasons for urgency requiring introduction and passage in the same sittings: It is desirable that the Bill be passed to allow for implementation, where necessary, before the next federal election.

Effect if the bill is not dealt with in one sittings: The Government considers it essential that a number of the election-related measures be implemented before the next federal election. Early passage will allow lead time to ensure that revised procedures to cater for these measures are in place.

Why the need for the amendments was not foreseen: It was anticipated that the Bill would be introduced in the 1998 Autumn Sittings. However, certain aspects of the Bill required further consideration and consultation and these matters were not resolved in time for introduction during the Autumn Sittings.

Circulated by the authority of the Special Minister of State)