I asked the Leader to explain the benefit of having a seat on the Security Council.

The Leader to respond without interruption.

I have my reply, but I am not going to give it to the Senator. To be honest, if he does not know, he does not deserve to know.

The Leader does not know what the benefit is.

The Leader without interruption.

I did not hear what the Senator said.

You have all had your say now. The Leader to conclude.

In fairness, on a point of order, I asked a question and I am entitled to an answer rather than an insult. The Leader cannot explain what value this seat would have.

That is not a point of order. The Chair is not responsible for the content of the Leader's response.

More is the pity.

The Leader to conclude.

All I can say in response to Senator Craughwell's comments is that he should talk to the men and women of the Defence Forces who serve on peacekeeping missions and ask them about the importance of-----

The Government will not have enough of them to cover peace missions.

Senator Craughwell has been around this world for a long time. He has served and been involved in public service for a long time. He knows the reasons better than I do. If he does not, I will be happy to share them with him on another occasion.

The Leader can share them on the floor of the House now.

It is important to recognise-----

The Leader and Senator Buttimer can discuss this matter outside the Chamber.

-----in the context of-----

Thank you very much, Leader.

-----human rights, overseas development aid, multilateralism and peacekeeping that as a proud member since 1955, it is important that we have a seat on the UN Security Council.

It is a matter of rubbing shoulders with the big boys.