Senate debates

Thursday, 22 September 2011

Questions without Notice: Additional Answers

Asylum Seekers

3:06 pm

Photo of Kim CarrKim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research) Share this | | Hansard source

Further to a question asked of me by Senator Brandis, I wish to advise the Senate that the office of the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Mr Bowen, has informed me that the Office of International Law, through the Attorney-General's Department, was closely consulted and has confirmed that the government's amendments are consistent with Australia's international obligation. The government's amendments are designed to make parliament's intention clear and have been informed by extensive legal advice.