Senator SHERRY (11:35 AM) —I thank Senator West for bringing my attention to that other date. I was not aware of it.

Senator West —Some time in March.

Senator SHERRY —I am struggling to use the email, let alone getting into the broader areas of computers. But I am getting there.

This is an important issue. With respect to your comments, Senator Murray, there will be some hangover. You are suggesting that we look at the size of the hangover after 1 January 2000. We are into saving the government's time. I hope this government is not in power after 1 January 2000. But, if it is, we will be back here again having the same debate.

Senator Ian Campbell —You might be the parliamentary secretary.

Senator SHERRY —The only chance of that happening would be in the event of a double dissolution on our rejecting those GST bills—which we should be dealing with here and now, I might remind you again, Senator Campbell.

Senator Ian Campbell —I agree with you.

Senator SHERRY —And we are ready to go on them.

Senator Ian Campbell —So are we.

Senator SHERRY —If we accept there is to be a hangover, it would seem to me that we are really questioning its size. Senator Murray is suggesting that we can come back and revisit the legislation, and that is fine, but that will take some hours of the Senate's time. We believe that, on balance, we could have dealt with that matter here and now. But we accept, Senator Murray, that the votes will not be there. So I will not be making any further comments on the legislation.