Trish Crossin (NT, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

We might get to SIEVX in a moment. I want to point out on the record that 90 per cent of those people have stayed in this country. We can show that, despite the filibuster from the other side talking about the lack of rights for asylum seekers who come here, those opposite would have a much tougher, much more inhumane policy than we have. What they do not tell the Australian public and what they do not want to reveal to the people in the community is that 90 per cent of these people were found to be genuine refugees and have stayed here. For example, 86 per cent of the people who were on Nauru have been found to be genuine refugees and are now living in and are part of this community. You never tell the community the full story and the full picture.

However, I want to talk today about the fact that this government has ensured that families and children are out of detention. I notice that today in the Northern Territory News the Country Liberal Party candidate for the seat of Solomon is whipping up the accusation that we are putting asylum seekers in public housing in the Northern Territory—a claim she has taken from an ABC website. It is a shame she did not pick up the phone and get the facts. Just like every coalition member in this place, that candidate was short on the facts and short on providing the right advice to the community. (Time expired)