The Hon. JENNIFER GARDINER: My question is directed to the Minister for Primary Industries. Is the Minister aware that the incoming Federal Labor Government is planning to scrap the successful FarmBis program, which provides a 65 per cent subsidy for training in a variety of registered courses? Is he aware that the New South Wales Farmers Association has made a desperate plea to the incoming Federal Labor Government to reconsider and to keep this valuable program in place? Will he heed the needs of New South Wales farmers and lobby his colleagues in the incoming Federal Labor Government to keep the FarmBis program in place?

The Hon. IAN MACDONALD: I look forward to early discussions with the new Minister for Agriculture, and I presume Fisheries, at a federal level.

The Hon. Catherine Cusack: But who is it?

The Hon. IAN MACDONALD: I am not aware. Perhaps the member has inside information. I am not sure who that person will be.

The Hon. Duncan Gay: Peter Garrett!

The Hon. IAN MACDONALD: That would be interesting.

The Hon. Rick Colless: Would you support Peter Garrett as the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries?

The Hon. IAN MACDONALD: I will not tell Kevin Rudd how to allocate his portfolios. It would be very arrogant of me to go down that path.

The Hon. Charlie Lynn: It has never stopped you before.

The Hon. IAN MACDONALD: Charlie, history has nothing to do with this.

The Hon. Duncan Gay: Would you welcome him as the new Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries? You want Peter Garrett to be the Minister responsible for primary industries!

The Hon. IAN MACDONALD: I am an unashamed fan of Peter Garrett. I attended a number of Midnight Oil concerts over the years and had a thoroughly good time. I am sure some of my colleagues, the more "in" side of the House, would concur. I would welcome his being appointed to any position Kevin Rudd chooses. I am sure that we will have animated and productive discussions. I will raise those issues with the new Federal Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries at the earliest opportunity, probably some time next year.