The PRESIDENT —On behalf of all senators, I express our deepest sympathy to the families and friends of those young Australians who were killed and to those who were injured at Interlaken on 27 July 1999. I offer condolences to the families and friends of those citizens of Switzerland, New Zealand, South Africa and Britain who also lost their lives in this tragedy. I also wish to commend the efforts of the rescuers and support services attending the scene and extend thanks to the Swiss authorities who came to the assistance of the survivors, friends and families.

A number of senators who have just been presented to the Governor-General commented to him on his presence at the service at Interlaken. I include our thanks to him for representing this country with the distinction with which he did on that sad occasion. I invite honourable senators to stand and observe a minute's silence in memory of those who died and in sympathy with their loved ones and friends whom we join in mourning.

Honourable senators having stood in their places—

The PRESIDENT —I thank the Senate.