Mr FAHEY (Minister for Finance and Administration) (6:26 PM) —in reply—I thank the contributors to this debate on the Parliamentary Contributory Superannuation Amendment Bill 2001: the honourable member for Wills, the honourable member for Menzies and the honourable member for Calare. The government has put forward by way of this bill a proposal that will bring the parliamentary superannuation scheme more into line with community standards by deferring the payment of parliamentary pensions for new members of parliament who join the parliament after the next general election until they reach the age of 55. In doing this, the bill imposes a higher standard of preservation on members of parliament than applies to other Australians who receive pensions. I do not think that point should be forgotten. However, it will closely align the superannuation for members of parliament with the majority of Australians who receive lump sum benefits which must be preserved until at least age 55 in most circumstances.

I have noted the comments of the honourable member for Calare. I note that he proposes to move further amendments that relate to many of the comments made at the second reading stage of this bill. I shall therefore hold my comments on that until such time as we go through those amendments in the consideration in detail stage. In the meantime, I thank all members who have contributed to this debate.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

Bill read a second time.

Message from the Governor-General recommending appropriation announced.