Senator McALLISTER (New South Wales) (12:17): Madam Deputy President, I rise to seek some indulgence from the chamber about the motion before us. I understand that there is a view from some senators that they seek some additional elements— The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Senator McAllister, you need leave to speak. Senator McALLISTER: My apologies. I seek leave of the chamber to make a brief contribution. Leave granted. Senator McALLISTER: I understand that some discussion about the program for today is taking place. I suppose I would make the observation that it is now Wednesday, we've been here since Monday, and it is regrettable that the government couldn't have progressed this a little more expeditiously. But I do understand that we're at a point now where we can deal with these matters.