Senate debates

Wednesday, 23 March 2011

Questions without Notice: Additional Answers

Asylum Seekers

3:06 pm

Photo of Joe LudwigJoe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

On 2 March 2011, Senator Hanson-Young asked me a question about asylum seekers. I seek leave to incorporate in Hansard further information from the Attorney-General in response to that question.

Leave granted.

The additional information read as follows—

  • ASIO’s priority and responsibility is to ensure that Australia’s security is not compromised. Security assessments must therefore be thorough.
  • The Attorney-General is not aware of the specific advice (from the Immigration Department to ASI0) to which the Senator referred.
  • I can confirm that there is no ‘time limit’ for the provision of ASIO security assessments in respect of irregular maritime arrivals.
  • ASIO regularly reviews and revises the allocation of resources to security assessment, as required.
  • ASIO works closely with DIAC on the visa security assessment caseload. ASIO relies on DIAC to prioritise the caseload.
  • ASIO also works closely with DIAC and other agencies to achieve maximum processing efficiencies and effectiveness, and achieve whole-of-government outcomes.
  • Processing times vary in accordance with several variables, including:
  • the circumstances of each individual case;
  • the size and complexity of this caseload; and
  • external factors beyond ASIO’s control (eg Christmas Island infrastructure, other agency priorities and processes).
  • In conducting its assessments, ASIO carefully balances security considerations with facilitating the timely provision of assessments.

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