House debates

Wednesday, 17 March 2010

Questions without Notice

Asylum Seekers

2:39 pm

Photo of Tony AbbottTony Abbott (Warringah, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. It is simple, it is clear and it should not require him to read any briefing notes.

Government Members:

Government members interjecting

Photo of Harry JenkinsHarry Jenkins (Speaker) Share this | | Hansard source

Order! The Leader of the Opposition will resume his seat.

Photo of Joel FitzgibbonJoel Fitzgibbon (Hunter, Australian Labor Party) Share this | | Hansard source

Mr Fitzgibbon interjecting

Photo of Harry JenkinsHarry Jenkins (Speaker) Share this | | Hansard source

The member for Hunter is warned. The Leader of the Opposition has the call.

Photo of Tony AbbottTony Abbott (Warringah, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | | Hansard source

My question to the Prime Minister is concerning the passengers on SIEV 36. Will he now revoke the visas of those passengers who, according to the coroner, were found—

Government Members:

Government members interjecting

Photo of Harry JenkinsHarry Jenkins (Speaker) Share this | | Hansard source

Order! The Leader of the Opposition has the call, and if there is an expectation from both sides of the House that people be listened to, those on my right might sit in silence for at least 10 seconds.

Photo of Tony AbbottTony Abbott (Warringah, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | | Hansard source

Concerning the passengers on SIEV 36, will he now revoke the visas of those three individuals who were found by the Northern Territory Coroner to be involved in a plan to set fire to the vessel?

Photo of Kevin RuddKevin Rudd (Griffith, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | | Hansard source

I am glad the Leader of the Opposition repeated the question, because I would have asked him to read it again given the general hubbub! Let me answer his question in three parts: (1) the coroner has delivered his report; (2) it has gone to the NT Police to determine whether charges were made; (3) the immigration minister will make his determination once those decisions have been made.