The following orders of the day relating to committee reports and government responses were considered:

Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade—Joint Standing Committee—Report—Australia’s free trade agreements with Singapore, Thailand and the United States: progress to date and lessons for the future. Motion of the chair of the committee (Senator Ferguson) to take note of report agreed to.

Corporations and Financial Services—Joint Statutory Committee—Report—Corporate insolvency laws: A stocktake—Government response. Motion of Senator Wong to take note of document agreed to.

Economics References Committee—Report—Consenting adults deficits and household debts: Links between Australia’s current account deficit, the demand for imported goods and household debt. Motion of the chair of the committee (Senator Stephens) to take note of report called on. Debate adjourned till the next day of sitting, Senator Stephens in continuation.

Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee—Report—The operation of the wine making industry. Motion of the chair of the committee (Senator Murray) to take note of report agreed to.

Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade—Joint Standing Committee—Report—Review of the Defence Annual Report 2003-04. Motion of Senator Bishop to take note of report agreed to.

Finance and Public Administration References Committee—Report—Regional Partnership and Sustainable Regions programs. Motion of the chair of the committee (Senator Forshaw) to take note of report called on. On the motion of Senator Stephens debate was adjourned till the next day of sitting.

Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee—Report—Mr Chen Yonglin’s request for political asylum. Motion of the chair of the committee (Senator Hutchins) to take note of report called on. On the motion of Senator Kirk debate was adjourned till the next day of sitting.

Community Affairs References Committee—Report—Quality and equity in aged care. Motion of the chair of the committee (Senator Marshall) to take note of report agreed to.

Community Affairs References Committee—Report—The cancer journey: Informing choice—Report on the inquiry into services and treatment options for persons with cancer. Motion to take note of report agreed to.