Senator BARTLETT (12:24 AM) —Given the time, I will not speak for long. I would simply like to reiterate how crucial this legislation, the Copyright Amendment Bill (No. 2) 1997 , is and that it should be voted against. I am probably one of the few people in this place who has actually signed a recording contract with a record company as a musician. It is no great secret that I did not become an internationally renowned superstar, and that in itself probably gives me good grounds to look for opportunities to kick multinational record companies in the head, because they did not give me the chance to have the fame that was rightfully mine.

In that sense, I probably came to this legislation thinking it was a good idea—cheaper CDs and wreaking my revenge on the multinationals. But, having sat through almost all the committee hearings and having read every single submission, I was particularly impressed by the evidence from the grassroots musicians, the small record companies and the independent companies. It is not the multinationals that will suffer if this legislation goes through; it will be the grassroots musicians and those who are most responsible for developing music in this country and keeping it fresh, vibrant, growing, earning export dollars and generating a great cultural asset for our nation. The people least likely to suffer are the multinationals. It may be that their overseas arms will get a bit more money than their Australian based sections, but they will be able to adjust. The local industry, the local labels and the local musicians are the ones that will suffer.

The other part of this is that there are no guarantees that CDs will be cheaper. The suggestion that Australian CDs are dearer than those in most other countries in the world is simply not correct. If this legislation goes through, it is potentially a major disaster for the Australian music industry.

The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT (Senator Patterson) —Senator Faulkner.

Senator Faulkner —Yes.

The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT —You are walking between me and Senator Bartlett.

Senator Faulkner —I know that.

The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT —Senator Faulkner!

Senator BARTLETT —This isn't the only aspect that is involved, and there are other issues the industry needs to address. Technological change will mean major challenges for that industry in the near future, and more media support and more radio support for new Australian music of all varieties is desperately needed. But that is no excuse for bringing down such a major negative impact as this bill will provide if it goes through.

As I said, in listening to all the evidence provided to what was a very extensive committee hearing, the most impressive thing was the unanimity of view from people at all levels of the industry—all those who actually know how it works—about how much damage this legislation will cause if it goes through. I urge the Senate to make sure that it does not go through. It will be not a kick in the teeth for multinationals; it will be a kick in the teeth for Australian music.

The DEPUTY PRESIDENT —Minister?

Senator Alston —Madam Deputy President—

Senator Patterson —Madam Deputy President, on a point of order: Senator Faulkner walked between the speaker and the chair. I called him to order and he disobeyed my calling to order. I would ask you to report that to the President because I find the behaviour in the chamber is degenerating. It does not matter what time it is. I found his behaviour unacceptable and I would ask you to report that to the President.

The DEPUTY PRESIDENT —I will take that on board.

Senator Faulkner interjecting—

The DEPUTY PRESIDENT —Order! Senator Faulkner, you are not in your place.