House debates Questions without Notice
Asylum Seekers
Sussan Ley Farrer, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Justice and Customs
2:33 pm
My question is to the Prime Minister. What were the budgeted costs for the Christmas Island detention centre for this financial year and, given the ongoing surge in unauthorised arrivals and the need to increase accommodation and security at the facility, will the Prime Minister now require supplementary funding and, if so, how much?
Kevin Rudd Griffith, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister
It is good to see that Ronno’s doctrine is still at work. You do not get news stories by trying to change perceptions, you get them by reinforcing stereotypes—and stereotype 101 has just been at the despatch box.
Unidentified interjection - Hansard doesn't record who said this
Opposition Members:
Opposition members interjecting—
Kevin Rudd Griffith, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister
Well those opposite circulated the Ronaldson doctrine on stereotypes—we did not. It was prepared by a senior staffer in Ronaldson’s office and circulated from the office to the Leader of the Opposition.
Don Randall Canning, Liberal Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Energy and Resources
Mr Speaker, on a point of order: I cannot see how sexist comments can be relevant.
Kevin Rudd Griffith, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister
Perhaps after question time the member for Canning will have just a little reflection on his comments over the years. In response to the question, Christmas Island capacity is as I have described to the House before. Furthermore, can I say to the honourable member that the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship has made suitable statements on the requirement for additional capacity. Regarding any reserve capacity beyond that he has also commented that that will be in hand. It is practical and prudent to do this, in dealing with what has been a surge in activity, particularly coming out of Sri Lanka because of civil disturbances in that country.