Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Fierravanti-Wells for what I think was a question. It actually sounded a bit more like a combination of the shadow minister’s press releases, which are incredibly confusing. When you bring them all together they are a complete mess. What we have done is try to implement a policy that is absolutely committed to strong border security and that enhances our border control and border patrolling. Also, we make no apology for the fact that we have introduced legislation measures to ensure a more humane treatment of refugees who have arrived in this country. We made that very clear. A number of the coalition’s own backbenchers have seen fit to support that. I think the Australian community has moved on to understanding that you can have strong border security and humane treatment of those found to be under your protection. I suggest that the Liberal Party, rather than calling for an inquiry, actually work at trying to find a policy that perhaps takes account of modern circumstances. (Time expired)