House debates

Wednesday, 16 August 2017

Statements by Members

Asylum Seekers

1:35 pm

Photo of Russell BroadbentRussell Broadbent (McMillan, Liberal Party) Share this | | Hansard source

David Marr can be pretty hard when he writes. It comes out of his life experiences, and I accept that. I think I know him reasonably well. But there was one line in his article of 9 August I couldn't walk away from. He was talking about same-sex marriage. The article says this:

If only Christians fought like this for refugees. Imagine if the Coalition’s big men of faith threatened to tear down their own government unless it brings home the wretches we’ve imprisoned in the Pacific.

Surely there couldn’t be a greater service for Christ?

I couldn't walk past it. Eventually you come to a place in your time here when, as a former member said in this House, 'There's a rubbish bin there and it smells and you can't walk past it.' Enough, El Shaddai. Shaddai, Shaddai, enough. I'm happy that the process with the Americans is working its way through, very effectively, at this time. And there will be a resolution. Once that time comes, it will be time for this nation, through its parliament, to act and resolve the situation on Manus and Nauru. Shaddai.