Murray Watt (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Hansard source

As I think you're aware, the government notes your amendments but will not be supporting them. I understand Minister Giles's office has had some engage with you about these issues already, and Minister Giles is certainly happy to engage with you separately on this bill as to how Australia can meet our international obligations in the way that you're seeking while maintaining the safety of the community. As I've said a number of times, this bill doesn't change the framework within which the character test operates. It really is a matter of clarifying powers which were always believed to exist in the Migration Act until that recent court decision. But we are happy to have some further engagement with you about this.