Senator ABETZ (Special Minister of State) (2:42 PM) —I want to make the government's position clear. We support the amendment proposed by the Australian Democrats to the opposition amendment (1). I want to briefly engage on Senator Allison's comments about the government's regard for the environment. As a government, we believe that sustainable tourism entails three aspects: environmental sustainability, economic sustainability and social sustainability. The explanatory memorandum dealing with Tourism Australia also points to the fact that Tourism Australia and other Australian government agencies, states and territories and local governments will facilitate the development of environmentally sustainable tourism. In fact, the skills of the board also include expertise in environmental management, clause 14(1)(m). I want to put that on the record to show we are serious about that aspect. When we talk sustainability we do not only talk environmentally, but we also talk economically and socially. I will not be provoked by Senator O'Brien's comments, and we will leave it at that. Let us hope we can deal with these amendments expeditiously.

Question agreed to.

Original question, as amended, agreed to.

Bill, as amended, agreed to.

TOURISM AUSTRALIA (REPEAL AND TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS) BILL 2004

Bill—by leave—taken as a whole.

Bill agreed to.

Tourism Australia Bill 2004 reported with amendments; Tourism Australia (Repeal and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2004 reported without amendment; report adopted.