Senator MACKAY (9:59 PM) —by leave—I want to put on record, certainly on behalf of Labor senators from Tasmania, appreciation for the Leader of the Government in the Senate clarifying the situation with regard to this legislation. We accept the government's effective apology for the press release issued by Senator Eric Abetz and also inter alia comments by Senator Paul Calvert. As for the press release of Senator Abetz, there are two things I would like to indicate.

Senator Hill —This is a bit unfair. It is an explanation.

Senator MACKAY —I listened to you in silence, thank you. The first paragraph was:

Senator Paul Calvert, the Government Whip in the Senate, is also quoted as saying that he was `outraged at Labor's support for the Democrats' proposal that betrayed thousands of Tasmanian forest workers'.

Senator MACKAY —Absolutely, Senator West. I want to clarify the situation that the leader of the government has indicated—that is, the government chose to ensure that this bill was not debated this side of the election and the government, having given notice via Senator Tambling, within a very short period of time—so short that the Democrats were not aware of it—withdrew it again. I would like to pass on my thanks on behalf of Tasmanian Labor senators to Senator Hill—

Senator Faulkner —Why not thanks to me?

Senator MACKAY —And to Senator Faulkner—for clarifying the situation and effectively repudiating and, I would say, potentially contradicting a very mischievous press release that was issued by Senator Abetz for clear political gain. The situation is now clarified and I appreciate that very much, and I hope that Senator Abetz will see fit at some point to come into the chamber and indicate that this ought not to have happened—otherwise the Senate would be unworkable. I offer those few comments. Hopefully, they reflect the view of my Tasmanian colleagues.

Senator Sherry —Yes, they do.

Senator MACKAY —I conclude.

Ordered that further consideration of these bills be adjourned to the first day of the 2001 summer sittings, in accordance with standing order 111.

Ordered that the bills be listed on the Notice Paper as separate orders of the day.