Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you, Mr President. The Morrison government has made it very clear that there can be no incentive for people to circumvent our orderly and generous migration system. In relation to the decision that has been made by the minister for immigration, he has decided that the Sri Lankan family on Christmas Island will be released from held detention and they will be reunited in the Perth community. They will reside in suburban Perth through a community detention placement, close to schools and support services, whilst the youngest child receives medical treatment from nearby Perth Children's Hospital. But let me be very, very clear: this decision strikes a balance between the government's strong border protection policies and appropriate compassion in circumstances involving children in detention.