Senator BOLKUS (10:20 AM) —On behalf of Senator Allison, I present the report of the Environment, Communications, Information Technology and the Arts References Committee on the powers of the Commonwealth and environmental protection and ecologically sustainable developments in Australia, together with submissions and the Hansard record of proceedings. I move that the report be printed.

Senator Brown —Mr Acting Deputy President, I seek your advice. Is this the opportunity to speak on this matter or shall I wait until a further motion is put?

The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT (Senator Ferguson) —No, Senator Brown, this is not the time; you need to wait until this motion is carried.

Ordered that the report be printed.

Senator BOLKUS —by leave—I move:

That the Senate take note of the report.

I want to start by once again thanking the secretariat of the committee. Over the Christmas break the secretariat had two major inquiries—the environment and the GST and this particular inquiry. I notice the chair is here now. If she would like to speak first I will follow her. I seek leave to continue my remarks later.

Leave granted.