Michael Keenan (Stirling, Liberal Party, Minister for Justice) Share this | Hansard source

In the time I have left I will try to deal with all the contributions that have been made since my last contribution. Very briefly to the member for Fisher, I thank him for his interest in national security and counter-terrorism matters. I appreciate that he acknowledges that everything this government has done to keep Australia safe, including the record investments we have made in our agencies, the very significant powers that we have granted them, including the eight tranches of legislation that the member for Corangamite has just referred to, have provided them with the wherewithal they need to deal with the way that the national security situation has evolved in Australia, which is very different than it was even just three years ago.

The member for Corangamite asked me about national security and family law reform. I have spoken a little bit about the very significant reforms that we are undertaking through the first comprehensive review into the family law system since the introduction of the Family Law Act 1976. We hope it will pave the way more fundamental long-term reform that ultimately better meets the needs of Australian families. I think it is fair to say that family law is a very difficult area and whatever we can do to improve the system will be good for all parties involved.

On the question raised by the shadow Attorney-General on the AAT, I think it is perfectly appropriate that the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection would take issue with some of the decisions that have been made there. Our responsibility is to keep the Australian people safe. That is something this government is committed to above all other goals and we will continue to do what is necessary to achieve that.

Proposed expenditure agreed to.

Federation Chamber adjourned at 19 : 30

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