House debates Questions without Notice
Visa: Taji Mustafa
Ms Julie Bishop Curtin, Liberal Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition
2:07 pm
My question is to the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship. I remind the minister that the government granted a visa to hate-preacher Taji Mustafa to speak at the Hizb ut-Tahrir conference yesterday, despite the coalition requesting on numerous occasions, and again last week, that he not do so. I also remind the minister that he ruled out revoking the visa yesterday. Will the minister explain why the government allows preachers of hate into our country?
Chris Bowen McMahon, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Immigration and Citizenship
I thank the honourable member for her question. The question goes to an invitation from an organisation known as HUT for a conference that was held yesterday. HUT has not been proscribed in Australia and nor has it been proscribed in the United States or the United Kingdom.
Christopher Pyne Sturt, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Education, Apprenticeships and Training
Why not?
Chris Bowen McMahon, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Immigration and Citizenship
When the honourable Manager of Opposition Business asks why it has not been proscribed, he might want to check with the honourable member for Berowra, who said in 2007, when he was Attorney-General, that it should not be proscribed.
The situation is that this entry permit was issued in accordance with the normal procedures for British nationals. I refer the honourable member to the normal procedures that apply. This individual was not on the movement alert list because he is not speaking at an organisation that is proscribed in Australia, and nor is it proscribed in like-minded countries, for the reasons very eloquently put by former Attorney-General the member for Berowra.
Ms Julie Bishop Curtin, Liberal Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition
2:09 pm
Madam Deputy Speaker, I ask a supplementary question. Why did the minister grant a visa to Mr Mustafa, a leader of Hizb ut-Tahrir, when this organisation has called for Israel's military destruction, and, at their conference in Sydney last year, one of their leaders condoned the killing of Australian troops in Afghanistan.
Chris Bowen McMahon, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Immigration and Citizenship
I remind the Deputy Leader of the Opposition that this organisation is not proscribed in Australia or in like-minded countries, and the normal rules for entry of British nationals have applied.
Sophie Mirabella Indi, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Innovation, Industry and Science
So, it is okay to lead the way on the carbon tax—
Ms Anna Burke Deputy-Speaker
The member for Indi! It was quite a breath of fresh air last week.
Ms Julie Bishop Curtin, Liberal Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition
I seek leave to table a letter from last Friday from the Leader of the Opposition to the Prime Minister requesting that a visa not be granted, or at least revoked if it was granted. The letter of 14 September—
Anthony Albanese Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the House
Leave is not granted. It has already been made public.
Scott Morrison Cook, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Immigration and Citizenship
I seek leave to table to a letter I sent to the minister on 13 September, the day before, which has not been released publicly. Perhaps the minister would allow that—
Anthony Albanese Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the House
It is not within standing orders for someone who has not asked a question about the issue to seek leave.
Ms Anna Burke Deputy-Speaker
Order! The member for Cook will resume his seat. I call the Manager of Opposition Business.
Christopher Pyne Sturt, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Education, Apprenticeships and Training
I hesitate to rise, and with the greatest of respect, during the latest fracas I believe you made a comment that I thought was offensive to the member for Indi and unnecessary, and I would ask you to withdraw it and apologise to her.
Ms Anna Burke Deputy-Speaker
The Manager of Opposition Business will resume his seat. The Manager of Opposition Business is reflecting on the Chair. I was merely pointing out that under standing order 65(b) the member for Indi, who has just returned to the chamber, should not be interjecting so audibly.
Sophie Mirabella Indi, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Innovation, Industry and Science
So it is my voice that is the problem?
Ms Anna Burke Deputy-Speaker
No, the member for Indi is a constant interjector. The member for Bass has the call.