Senator KEMP (Minister for the Arts and Sport) (5:15 PM) —Senator, I am astonished at the show of spleen on your part, to be quite frank. You normally have a name for being quite good-humoured. I do not know whether the pressures in recent weeks have gotten to you but I actually gave you the courtesy of a very comprehensive response to your question. Some may well say I was being unduly kind—and I have been accused of that before with the Democrats, as you know. I am one to go that extra yard for the Democrats. Not all my colleagues are inclined to do that. I am sorry that you obviously did not listen to my response. The government position is very well known on that. I gave you a detailed reason why we would not be accepting your proposals, which you described as modest but I think in the end may well total some $50 million. That is not modest. That is actually a very substantial rise and, frankly, we will not be supporting that amendment on your part.

It is very nice of you to show consideration for Senator Carr. Again, I was asked what the basis for the calculations was and I do not think you were listening, because I actually said what the basis for the calculations was. I know this is unfair but sometimes I am accused by you of being a little bit too talkative in this chamber, a bit loquacious, so I gave a very succinct, clear answer to the clear question that Senator Carr asked. If you want to delay the bill and if you want to carry on about that, you can delay it but you will wear the price. I think what the public are looking for from the Democrats is a bit of consistency—

Senator Stott Despoja —A delay by two hours!

Senator KEMP —Let me just finish. The public is looking for a little bit of consistency, a willingness to take part in the debate but certainly not, in the end, unnecessary delay in the considerations of this chamber. It is touching to see the huge affection that there is in this chamber for Senator Alston. It is something that I share. Senator Alston is a very senior minister in this government and he is tied up with serious matters elsewhere. I am very happy to handle the bill and to answer questions. I have some very talented advisers here who are anxious to respond to anything that Senator Carr or you would like to raise.