Business of the House

Mr JOHN AQUILINA (Riverstone—Leader of the House) [11.41 a.m.]: I seek the gracious leave of the House to allow for the noting of up to 12 private members' statements.

Mr THOMAS GEORGE (Lismore) [11.42 a.m.]: While the Opposition will not oppose leave, it would be remiss of me if I did not place on record that we are 12 months into a four-year term and the Government does not have enough business today or this week. It is a disgrace. Even with these so-called family friendly hours, the Government does not have enough work to do. I place on record the Opposition's disapproval of the running of the House in this manner. The Opposition expects to work. Instead, the House will deal with private members' statements at a time when Government business should be on the agenda—lazy, lazy, lazy!

Mr JOHN AQUILINA (Riverstone—Leader of the House) [11.43 a.m.]: In response to the member for Lismore, I observe that the Government is in this position because it has been efficient in dispatching a record amount of legislation. I remind the member that towards the end of last year we completed 33 bills, which is one of the largest numbers of bills to have been completed towards Christmas. The Parliamentary Secretary, the member for Parramatta, has just introduced another bill. A number of Government bills are awaiting debate but, according to the processes and procedures of the House, a proper period needs to elapse so members have time to study them. This Government likes members to have an opportunity to study legislation in great detail so they can make worthwhile contributions to this House.

Leave granted.