At the request of Senator McGrath, I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that the biannual Chinchilla Melon Festival, the world's largest such festival, is held this year from 14 February to 17 February;

(b) further notes that the festival brings tourists from across the nation to Chinchilla and the surrounds, which is a boon to the local economy, as well as serving to highlight the region's excellent agricultural produce;

(c) recognises the important role that festivals, such as the Chinchilla Melon Festival, play in sustaining remote, regional and rural communities through regional tourism; and

(d) congratulates the organisers of the Chinchilla Melon Festival on organising another tremendous event.

Mr President, I seek leave to make a short statement.

Leave is granted for one minute.

I note this is a coalition motion in favour of festivals but in New South Wales the coalition is crushing festivals through changes to liquor licensing laws.

Question agreed to.