Peter Dutton (Dickson, Liberal Party, Minister for Immigration and Border Protection) Share this | Hansard source

As I said, it is not matter who you look at—the opposition frontbench or backbench—they are completely and utterly divided when it comes to what is a very important issue. You had one of the frontbenchers from the Labor Party out in the press today on this very issue. As it turns out, some of the measures that he was talking about have already been before this parliament, in 2014. He claimed that he had not had a briefing, or had no understanding or no comprehension of what was being put forward. But he had dealt with some of these matters only a couple of years ago. I say to members in this place: would you trust anything that comes from the member for Watson when it comes to national security issues? No. Do you know why? Because his actions speak louder than his words. There was a time when he was immigration minister. They were not glory days. They were not the best days of the Rudd-Gillard years. He was not the worst, to be fair; he was not the worst among them. We can go to others, including the member for McMahon. But we do know that on the member for Watson's watch there were 83 boat arrivals. He nods, approvingly, proud of the fact. Eighty-three is not bad, compared to double that number—in fact, 400 for the member for McMahon. The member for McMahon is very quiet in this debate. When you have a look, 6,600 people came during the member for Watson's watch, when he was immigration minister. If you do not mind, Mr Speaker, I will not be taking advice from him. (Time expired)

Honourable members interjecting —

Mr Joyce interjecting—

Mr Pyne interjecting—

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