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

Thank you very much indeed, Mr President. If there is a problem with Manus Island, don't look to my side of politics, Senator McKim. Look to the Australian Labor Party, which began the Manus Island detention centre. For all the years since we have been in office we have been working to secure agreements with third-party nations, most notably the United States of America, to resettle the people from Manus Island, and it is proceeding very well.

Senator McKim, I cannot understand your position. One moment you're saying that Manus Island should be closed down. The next moment you're saying it is an outrage that Manus Island is being closed down. Now you come into the chamber this afternoon and say, 'Will the government evacuate Manus Island?' You are all over the place on this issue, Senator McKim. The reason you are all over the place is—