House debates Questions without Notice
Immigration Detention
Dan Tehan Wannon, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Immigration and Citizenship
2:37 pm
My question is to the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs. When did the minister seek advice about a legislative fix to the High Court decision?
Andrew Giles Scullin, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs
2:38 pm
Thank you, shadow minister, for your question. Immediately after the decision, we sought advice on its implications. In the days—
Unidentified interjection - Hansard doesn't record who said this
Opposition Members:
Opposition members interjecting—
Milton Dick Speaker
Order! The minister will pause. The question has been asked in silence; I want to hear the answer in silence as well. I give the call to the minister.
Andrew Giles Scullin, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs
We sought advice on its implications, and that advice contemplated the work that was done in advance of the decision in contemplation of it. I've spoken on at least three occasions, as has the Minister for Home Affairs, about some of the practical steps we sought to have in place in the event of an adverse judgement. We also sought advice prior to the hearing on the options that would be available, depending on the various outcomes of the decision.
I remind the shadow minister—and, indeed, all members—that we're yet to receive the reasons for the High Court decision. However, as I said yesterday morning, and as my statement together with the Minister for Home Affairs said earlier today, we have always been looking at all regulatory and legislative options which are available.
Milton Dick Speaker
The minister will pause. Member for Wannon, this had better be on relevance or another point of order.
Dan Tehan Wannon, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Immigration and Citizenship
Mr Speaker, the question was, 'When'—
Dan Tehan Wannon, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Immigration and Citizenship
No, relevance. Relevance. The question was—
Milton Dick Speaker
You're supposed to say, 'I'm rising on a point of order. It's on—'. Had the minister concluded his answer? He's concluded his answer. I just remind the member for Wannon: if you get the call, always state what the point of order is. Don't just start saying what you feel.