House debates Questions without Notice
Asylum Seekers
Scott Morrison Cook, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Immigration and Citizenship
3:15 pm
My question is to the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship. I refer to the minister’s last answer. Is it true that the only warnings he received were the two reports he referred to about the potential for increased violence on Christmas Island?
Chris Bowen McMahon, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Immigration and Citizenship
I thank the honourable member for his question. I also refer him to my previous answer. I referred to two specific reports that have been referred to. I also referred to departmental advice that it would be beneficial to reduce the numbers on Christmas Island, which I responded to.
Scott Morrison Cook, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Immigration and Citizenship
Three!
Chris Bowen McMahon, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Immigration and Citizenship
It is also the case, and it is on the public record, that a number of Christmas Island residents have expressed the view that the number of people should be reduced on Christmas Island, which has been responded to as well.
Scott Morrison Cook, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Immigration and Citizenship
Four!
Harry Jenkins Speaker
The member for Cook is warned. He can ask his question; he cannot enter into a debate across the table. There are other avenues that he has in prospect for that debate.