Stephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy) Share this | Hansard source

It will come as no surprise that I utterly reject the assertions in that question. Before they are released into the community, asylum seekers are assessed and only those with no security, health, identity or significant behavioural issues who might present a risk to the community are granted bridging visas. Bridging visa holders are eligible for 89 per cent of the equivalent Centrelink special benefit and rent assistance, and the Commonwealth covers the cost of Medicare and other services, including case management and psychological counselling. State governments are simply playing politics over the issue of asylum seekers, raising their concerns in the media rather than engaging in constructive dialogue with the Commonwealth. While there is a genuine need identified for more resources to meet the needs of asylum seekers in the community, the Commonwealth works proactively and cooperatively with states and territories to ensure the necessary arrangements are in place. (Time expired)