Anne McEwen (SA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

At the request of Senator Carr, I move:

That there be laid on the table by the Minister representing the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, no later than noon on Thursday, 13 February 2014, documents detailing the number and cost of the lifeboats purchased by the Australian Government for use in border protection operations, including the cost of any upgrades or alterations; the number of lifeboats remaining in the Australian Government's possession; and details of the procurement process for these lifeboats in accordance with the Commonwealth Procurement Rules.

Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

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

Alan Ferguson (SA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The government will not be supporting this motion. The communication protocols around Operation Sovereign Borders have been made clear by this government and are working. As I confirmed yesterday in the Senate, there has not been a successful people-smuggling venture to Australia by boat since 19 December 2013.

We know that the people smugglers are looking to obtain any information that will assist them in selling their product to potential customers. This government will not support them in this endeavour. I would implore those opposite to understand and support this approach, to recognise the significant success we are having in destroying the people smugglers' business model and to recognise the lives that are being saved as a result.

After five years of chaos on our borders, Australians voted for a better way. The Australian people have spoken very clearly on an issue that dominated the last federal election. As a government, we are delivering on our promise.

John Hogg (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that general business notice of motion No. 109 moved by Senator McEwen on behalf of Senator Carr be agreed to.

Senator Mark Bishop did not vote, to compensate for the vacancy caused by the resignation of Senator Joyce.