Malcolm Turnbull (Wentworth, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

Nobody should ever doubt the resolve of this government to keep our borders secure, to prevent the people-smuggling racket, to break their business model and keep lives safe, to prevent drownings at sea and to protect vulnerable people from being exploited by ruthless criminal gangs. Twice in our history, coalition governments have acted decisively to ensure that the pernicious, criminal trade of people-smuggling cannot succeed. Our commitment today is simply this: the people smugglers will not prevail over our sovereignty. Our borders are secure. The line has to be drawn somewhere, and it is drawn at our border.

I note today that a very significant judgement was handed down by the High Court of Australia. By a six to one majority, the High Court rejected a challenge to Australia's offshore detention arrangements, and it upheld the existing framework as legally and constitutionally valid. Now, we will consider the judgement and its implications carefully. But what I can say is this: our system of deterrence remains robust and has recently been reinforced to deal with immediate and enduring threats to our maritime security and sovereignty.

We know what happens when Labor experiments with our border protection arrangements. I remember in this House sitting where the Leader of the Opposition is today—

Ms Burke interjecting—

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