Senator O'BRIEN (9:49 AM) —This is an important piece of legislation, and the opposition clearly has a senator with portfolio responsibility for it who is on his way to the chamber and will be making the opposition's contribution to this debate shortly. Unfortunately, he has been caught at another meeting. Because of the expedition with which we have dealt with two pieces of legislation this morning, we are unable to have him here precisely at the time he is required. So I am in the position where I am obviously going to keep the batter going until Senator Schacht finds his place and makes his contribution to the chamber.

Senator Ian Campbell —Keep the ball in the air!

Senator O'BRIEN —I am grateful for the intervention from Senator Campbell about keeping the ball in the air. It might give me the opportunity to talk about a number of other matters which are in the public mind at the moment. However, they would not be germane to the debate under question, which is the Migration Legislation Amendment (Parents and Other Measures) Bill 2000 and the Migration (Visa Application) Charge Amendment Bill 2000. Having said that, I will concede my speaking opportunity to Senator Schacht, who will speak to the bill shortly.

The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT (Senator Watson)—In the meantime, do you wish to take the call, Senator Bartlett? You are on the list.