Ms Anna Burke (Chisholm, Deputy-Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

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) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

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 (Chisholm, Deputy-Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

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.

Tony Abbott (Warringah, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thanks, Deputy Speaker—

Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the House) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

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 (Chisholm, Deputy-Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

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.