House debates Questions without Notice
Asylum Seekers
Andrew Southcott Boothby, Liberal Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Primary Healthcare
3:03 pm
My question is to the Prime Minister. I refer the Prime Minister to the government’s plan not to vote tomorrow on a motion to require consultation with the local community about a new immigration detention facility at Woodside. Is this not just another example of a government determined to avoid scrutiny for its failed border protection policies? Does the Prime Minister agree with the statement of Senator Faulkner that the government is all cunning and no courage?
Julia Gillard Lalor, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister
I have to say to the member who asked the question that I think he is referring to decisions of the Selection Committee of this House, and the Selection Committee is, of course, participated in by members across the parliament. The Selection Committee works on and makes decisions about what will be the subject of votes in this place and the scheduling of those votes. So can I say to the member that if he is in some way aggrieved about a Selection Committee decision he should take it up with the appropriate person.