House debates Matters of Public Importance
Asylum Seekers
Ms Anna Burke Deputy-Speaker
3:15 pm
I have received a letter from the honourable Leader of the Opposition proposing that a definite matter of public importance be submitted to the House for discussion, namely:
The impact of the Government's serial failure for four years to protect Australia's borders from illegal boat arrivals.
I call upon those members who approve of the proposed discussion to rise in their places.
More than the number of members required by the standing orders having risen in their places—
Anthony Albanese Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the House
3:16 pm
Deputy Speaker, given that the legislation on this issue is the next item of business before the parliament, I would suggest that it might suit the House to have that legislation debated so that we can indeed get on with it, which the opposition have suggested is appropriate and which the government has suggested is appropriate. I would ask for the cooperation of the opposition to actually deal with the legislation rather than have a 90-minute debate that ends in nothing.
Ms Anna Burke Deputy-Speaker
The Leader of the House has put a proposition. The opposition has rejected it. The Leader of the Opposition has the call in respect of the MPI.
Anthony Albanese Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the House
I move:
That the business of the day be called on.
So that we can discuss the legislation, as was advised to the opposition this morning.
Ms Anna Burke Deputy-Speaker
The Leader of the House will resume his seat. The Leader of the House is not assisting by the last comment. The question is that the business of the day be called on.