House debates Questions without Notice
Asylum Seekers
Sussan Ley Farrer, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Justice and Customs
2:37 pm
My question is to the Minister for Home Affairs. I refer to the minister’s answer yesterday when he said the reason the AFP report entitled Strategic Intelligence Forecast—Transnational Criminal Trends and Threats to Australia could not be released was because it relates to operational matters. Can the minister explain how advice and commentary on government policy can be characterised as an operational matter? Will the minister clear these matters up once and for all and release the report?
Brendan O'Connor Gorton, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Home Affairs
I thank the honourable member for her question. Can I say to the House that we understand that the opposition are trying to score some points on these very important matters. We understand that despite the overwhelming evidence in relation to these matters, the reason why there has been an increase in arrivals is because of push factors. We know the opposition are very desperate to score some points. I say to the House that it is quite outrageous that she wants to call into question the character of the Australian Federal Police commissioner by suggesting—
Bruce Billson Dunkley, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Sustainable Development and Cities
Mr Billson interjecting
Harry Jenkins Speaker
Whilst I might expect it from the member for O’Connor, I do not expect it from the member for Dunkley. It is not assisting.
Christopher Pyne Sturt, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Education, Apprenticeships and Training
Mr Speaker I raise a point of order that goes to relevance. The latest fig leaf of the minister was operational matters. He should answer the question—
Harry Jenkins Speaker
Order! The member will resume his seat. The minister will respond to the question.
Christopher Pyne Sturt, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Education, Apprenticeships and Training
Mr Pyne interjecting
Brendan O'Connor Gorton, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Home Affairs
Can I again repeat that at the Senate estimates hearing on 19 October 2009—2 days ago—AFP Commissioner Negus confirmed that the intelligence report in question has never been provided to ministers and, indeed, he stated that the report was an operationally focused document and it would be inappropriate for it to have been provided to ministers.