Senator FAULKNER (Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) (2:47 PM) —My question is directed to Senator Hill, representing the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Minister, given your answer in question time earlier today in relation to press reports that Mr Downer had described certain countries as `busted-arsed countries', is it not true that Mr Downer has claimed that he did not use the phrase in any public forum or in meetings with overseas ministers or officials? Does the minister deny that Mr Downer used this phrase on numerous occasions, in private meetings and on private occasions, and in meetings organised by officials of Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade?

Senator HILL (Minister for the Environment and Heritage) —Obviously, I do not personally know what phrases Mr Downer uses in private. It does not strike me as the type of language that he would use, bearing in mind the sensitivity he has exhibited in his public life towards countries and towards the least developed countries. If you look at the record of this government and look at the AusAID contribution, for example, to least developed countries, you will find that we regard our responsibility to assist those that are less well off very seriously.

Senator FAULKNER —Madam President, I ask a supplementary question. I ask whether Mr Downer has taken any opportunity today to publicly deny he did use that expression on any recent occasion and whether he will check. If he has, will Senator Hill give an undertaking to the Senate—as is appropriate—that Senator Hill will correct the record?

Senator HILL (Minister for the Environment and Heritage) —I will refer the supplementary to Mr Downer to see if there is anything he wishes to add.