i know that the whole house will wish to join me in paying tribute also to rupert hamer, who lost his life in afghanistan while reporting from the front line, and to his colleague who was injured. our thoughts are also with their families, friends and colleagues. we are grateful to all those who put themselves in danger to ensure that the world is aware of the bravery of those serving in afghanistan and the realities of life there. because of the devastating earthquake overnight, haiti has moved to the center of the world's thoughts and the world's compassion. the government will respond with emergency aid, including firefighters, emergency equipment and finance, and give further support to help the people of haiti to recover from that devastating event. this morning i had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others. in addition to my duties in this house, i shall have further such meetings later today. >> bill wiggin. >> i am sure that the whole house will agree with the prime minister's statement of condolence. looking back, our economy entered the recession with one of the larg