Kim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research) Share this | Hansard source

I do enjoy the simplistic nonsense that we hear from the Liberal Party on quite complex issues. We have seen a growth in the number of people coming to Australia and that has put stress on the system. The minister is dealing with that in a very open and transparent manner. He is being very clear about the determination of the government to ensure that these issues are dealt with properly and consistent with our international obligations. Suggestions that we can just stop the boats, as the Liberal Party would assert, are completely nonsensical in the circumstances we currently face. Senator Ferguson, I suggest that you try to go beyond the slogan and actually deal with the substance of the issues.