David Pocock (ACT, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to support the amendment from the Greens to refer the Migration Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Bill for inquiry until 27 June. Migration law sits at the intersection of sovereignty, human rights and the rule of law. Changes in this area carry profound consequences for people's liberty, for families and for Australia's international reputation. That is precisely why legislation of this kind demands careful parliamentary scrutiny. This bill proposes significant changes to the migration framework, yet the parliament is being asked to consider it at speed and with limited opportunity to hear from experts and affected communities and the organisations that work with them every single day across this incredible continent.

A short Senate inquiry is not an obstacle to good policy; it is the mechanism by which good policy is made. It would allow us to actually test the government's assumptions, to understand the real world impacts of the measures before us and to ensure that any powers granted by the parliament are proportionate, lawful and actually workable. Australians expect their parliament to get migration law right, and they expect us to legislate carefully, not hastily, as we're seeing. I've had significant correspondence from Canberrans voicing significant concerns about this policy. I think referring this bill for inquiry until 27 June is a modest, reasonable step that would actually strengthen the legislation and strengthen public confidence in the decisions we make in this place.

For those reasons, I support the motion. I think it is ironic that, on the same day that we see a minor party not allowed to debate a private senator's bill—the reason from the government is: 'It's not the convention that you introduce and vote on a bill in the same week.' How about the same day? What about the same day, by the Labor government? It seems like we're in this Orwellian situation where all animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others. It seems to me, when you have a cruel bill, that it is a knee-jerk reaction that I think is wildly out of step with what Australians want—clear the decks, ram through this bill, don't worry about what Australians might think. I think it's a really poor way to be governing.

It stands in such stark contrast to what we've seen with the Iranian women's team—brave young women who have sought asylum and have had the backing of the vast majority of Australians. We've seen all sides of politics—we've seen President Trump—say that this was the right thing to do. I think the reason why we've seen the government do it is that they know it's the right thing to do. In their hearts, they know that this is the right thing to do as Australians. We're the land of the fair go. We want to give these people a fair go.

We're seeing media and social media posts. I really applaud the minister's actions. He's clearly put a lot of time and effort into this. I think a lot of Australians look at Minister Burke's work and say: 'We can be proud of that. This is how a country should actually respond when brave young women's lives are at risk.' But it stands in such stark contrast to this bill that is affecting thousands of people, and I dare say we will not be seeing social media posts from Labor members about this bill explaining to the Australian people what this bill does and explaining to the Australian Iranian community what this means for their loved ones—for brothers, sisters and parents—who were due to come and visit them. I really do think it's so sad to see these migration bills get rammed through like this. I really thank the Greens for their work in pushing this Senate to actually (1) inquire into this bill and (2) have a more compassionate approach in times of crisis.