House debates Questions without Notice

Border Protection

Wednesday, 22 June 2011 House of Representatives

Michael Keenan

Michael Keenan Stirling, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Justice, Customs and Border Protection

3:15 pm

My question is to the Prime Minister. I refer the Prime Minister to the member for Griffith's promise in 2009 to provide $2.8 million to 'establish a dedicated border protection committee of cabinet. This would drive the government's response to the people-smuggling threat.' Can the Prime Minister explain to the House why one of her first acts as Prime Minister was to eliminate the border protection committee of cabinet?

Unidentified interjection - Hansard doesn't record who said this

Opposition Members:

Opposition members interjecting

Harry Jenkins

Harry Jenkins Speaker

Order! The Prime Minister has been asked a question. The Prime Minister will now be heard in silence in response.

Julia Gillard

Julia Gillard Lalor, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister

3:16 pm

I thank the shadow minister for his question. I determined that it would be best that these matters were dealt with directly by the National Security Committee of Cabinet and cabinet itself.