Senator QUIRKE (6:32 PM) —I seek leave to make a short statement in relation to the remarks that have just been made.

The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT —Is leave granted?

Senator O'Chee —We will give you one minute.

The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT —Is leave granted?

Senator O'Chee —One minute.

The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT —Is leave granted?

Senator O'Chee —For one minute.

The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT —Is leave granted?

Senator O'Chee —Yes.

The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT —Leave is granted.

Senator QUIRKE —I thank the Senate for their indulgence. This document was actually taken around and shown to members of the government. It was shown to Senator Coonan, who at that stage was sitting in the deputy whip's chair. I did actually want to show it to Senator O'Chee, because I know he has been a bit sensitive over these matters in the last day or so, but he was busy on the phone at the time to Senator Boswell, I think it was, and I did not want to interrupt an important conversation between him and his boss.

Senator O'Chee interjecting—

Senator QUIRKE —The big boss. I want to get it quite clearly on the record here that it was shown to everyone who wanted to see it. In fact, I have been trying to get rid of it for half an hour now. I have already sought leave to table the document.

Leave granted.

Ordered that the document be printed.