Tour Down Under

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE (14:42): The minister mentioned previously that the riders stayed at the Hilton. I was wondering if that was both the female and the male riders that stay at the Hilton?

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment) (14:42): No, it is not. It is a long held thing from the Labor Party, the former government, that the female riders don't stay in the Hilton.

An honourable member: So you've fixed that?

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY: Well, we are looking at it. I mean, obviously—

An honourable member: Have you fixed it?

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY: We haven't fixed it yet, but it's something we would want to do—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY: Absolutely. We've got equal prize money; the women riders deserve exactly the same sort of facilities. That is why the sponsorship—why Santos is on board. We are having a close look at making sure that the women's tour gets the same facilities and treatment as the male riders.

The PRESIDENT: Before I give the Hon. Ms Bourke the call, can honourable members start showing some respect to members in the other place and refer to them by their seat. That has been creeping in this week and is annoying your President.