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

I have never been accused of talking too softly in this chamber; there have in fact occasionally been allegations to the contrary! As I was saying, there is an agreement that these people will be disembarked in Indonesia and then be processed by the UNHCR over any asylum claims they have. We are confident that we will be able to see a successful disembarkation. The Australian authorities are obviously working with Indonesian authorities on how that might occur. We are very confident in the professionalism of the Customs officers on board the vessel, and they will obviously work out a plan of action with Indonesian officials to effect the disembarkation. I might say, though, that it is our intention that they be disembarked in Indonesia. While the passengers may prefer another destination, that is the intention, and we hope to see them disembarked in the near future.