House debates

Monday, 21 November 2011

Questions in Writing

Asylum Seekers (Question No. 430)

Photo of Scott MorrisonScott Morrison (Cook, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Immigration and Citizenship) Share this | | Hansard source

asked the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, in writing, on 16 June 2011:

In respect of the $10 million of funding allocated to departmental expenses under the proposed arrangement with Malaysia on irregular maritime arrivals, what is the breakdown of costs for staffing, including the number of full-time equivalent staff, accommodation, travel, training, contractors, and other.

Photo of Chris BowenChris Bowen (McMahon, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Immigration and Citizenship) Share this | | Hansard source

The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:

The allocation of funding under the Malaysia Arrangement was a matter to be settled in the context of the establishment of funding agreements with organisations delivering services.

On 13 October 2011 the Government announced that it will not be in a position to proceed with offshore processing of asylum seekers under the Malaysia Arrangement due to an absence of support for necessary amendments to the Migration Act.

In view of this, the funding set aside in the 2011-12 Budget for implementation of the Malaysia Arrangement will be re-examined in the context of the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook.