Graham Edwards (Cowan, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary (Defence and Veterans' Affairs)) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, on indulgence, the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition made statements about the deployment of troops to East Timor. Notwithstanding these statements, I am sure that members of this House would wish to have the opportunity to express their own support for our troops and their families. Mr Speaker, would you give consideration to liaising with the Prime Minister to ascertain the feasibility of members being given such an opportunity in the near future.

David Hawker (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the member for Cowan and I appreciate the sentiments that he expresses. I believe that the appropriate people to discuss this would be the Leader of the House and the Manager of Opposition Business. Since they are both present, I am sure they have listened and will give serious consideration to your request.

John Howard (Bennelong, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, I would like to assist the House. I would be very happy to find a way, after discussion with the Leader of the House, for there to be opportunities for people next week to do exactly that.