George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Hansard source

The government will not be supporting this motion. It is the policy and practice of the joint agency taskforce responsible for implementing Operation Sovereign Borders not to disseminate information relating to on-water operations. This is one of the reasons for the success of the government's policies that are stopping boats. There are clear rules and guidelines to govern behaviour and use of proportionate force where appropriate in relation to the conduct of operations by Border Protection Command as part of Operation Sovereign Borders. Central to these guidelines is ensuring that operations are conducted safely for both our own officers and persons who are the subject of these operations. Our Navy and Customs and Border Protection officers working under Border Protection Command are well trained and act in accordance with that training and the guidelines and protocols established for these operations. The government rejects unsubstantiated allegations of inappropriate conduct made against our Navy and Customs and Border Protection personnel. They do an important job— (Time expired)