Senator MINCHIN (Special Minister of State;Minister Assisting the Prime Minister) (1:24 PM) —Can I just comment on the Democrat amendment and indicate our support for that amendment in its revised form. I thank Senator Bartlett for his cooperation and, as requested, put on the record the reasons why the word `analysis' rather than the word `assessment' is preferred.

Stock assessment in fisheries management refers to highly detailed studies that attempted to look at the total catch and stock numbers for a species. Stock assessments require a huge amount of research. As you may know, black marlin and blue marlin swim throughout the Pacific, and it would be prohibitively expensive to conduct such an assessment—presumably because you would have to chase them all over the Pacific.

I am informed and advised that Senator Parer—

Senator Faulkner interjecting—

Senator MINCHIN —You ought to talk about chasing them—is happy to commission a further analysis of the species, as proposed, which will provide the parliament with more information about these very important species.

Amendment agreed to.

Bill, as amended, agreed to.

Bill reported with amendment; report adopted.