Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Public Service) Share this | Hansard source

The government will not be supporting the suspension. I would like to say that the situation in Syria is becoming increasingly unstable. Our security agencies have been monitoring and continue to monitor the situation to ensure they are prepared for any Australian from this cohort returning home.

Let me be clear. The Australian government is not providing assistance and is not repatriating individuals in Syrian IDP camps. The reporting is incorrect. That has been made clear in the Senate and in the House. It's nothing less than irresponsible to take that reporting on national security issues as fact when the reporting has been clearly rejected. The motion that the senator seeks to move refers to an operation that does not exist.

All Australians have a right to feel safe in their country, which is why our intelligence and security agencies are constantly monitoring any threats to our national security. Our agencies are aware of who the persons of interest are in this cohort. If any of those people find their own way to return, our agencies are satisfied that they are prepared and will be able to act in the interests of community safety. There is no higher priority for the Albanese government than keeping Australians safe. I move:

That the question be now put.

Question agreed to.