Kate Lundy (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister Assisting for Industry and Innovation) Share this | Hansard source

I think I answered that when I referred to the minister's ability to have exemptions where in the minister's view particular vulnerabilities exist. It would be determined through that process. I would like to clarify further the issue and quote the minister, Mr Bowen, from statements he made on the date on which he made his announcement. Minister Bowen articulated very clearly on 13 August:

From this point forward, anybody who comes to Australia by boat runs the risk of being transferred to an offshore processing place. From this point forward—

that is, 13 August—

anybody who comes to Australia by boat should be very clear about the possibility of not being processed and resettled in Australia.

While the amendments once enacted will apply to persons who arrived on or after 13 August 2012, no action under the amendments can be taken in relation to such purpose until those amendments commence.