Senator FAULKNER —My question is directed to Senator Hill as the Leader of the Government in the Senate. Can the minister assure the Senate that no member of the Prime Minister's staff, employed under the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act, purchased Telstra Corporation shares, as required by the Prime Minister's directive? Is it not the case that, for a minister as closely involved with Telstra privatisation matters as the Prime Minister, this prohibition is not limited to the 90-day period that is relevant to other ministers? I ask: what measures did the Prime Minister take to ensure that his own staff understood the directive and fully complied with it?

Senator HILL (Environment) —It will not come as a surprise if I confess to honourable senators that I have not studied the share register. I do not know who purchased Telstra shares. Obviously, I cannot, therefore, give the assurance that is being sought of me, but I will refer the matter to the Prime Minister. I presume there is some basis for the question and, therefore, the substance of the matter will be investigated.

Senator FAULKNER —Madam President, I ask a supplementary question. Is the Minister aware that Mr Geoffrey Ashton Cousins of Kirribilli, New South Wales, purchased 600 shares in the Telstra float? Is the minister also aware that Mr Cousins disposed of his Telstra shares on or about 30 December 1997 with a stag profit of some 66 per cent for holding them for five weeks? Is the minister aware that the same Mr Cousins is employed by the Prime Minister under Part 2 of the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act, and is listed as a Communications Strategist to the Prime Minister in the Parliament House communications directory? In light of these revelations, how is it possible for Mr Cousins to have complied with the Prime Minister's directive?

Senator HILL (Environment) —I have already said that I do not know whether any member of the staff of the Prime Minister purchased shares, either consistent with the directive or in breach of the directive. I have said that I would have the matter investigated and report back in due course.