John Howard (Bennelong, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

These policies have nothing to do with listening to Indonesian politicians. While I am on my feet, can I say something to Indonesian politicians, both those here and those who may be listening or reading in Indonesia: I want them to understand from me, on behalf of the government, how extremely disappointed, even distressed, millions of Australians will be at the release of Abu Bakar Bashir. Many Australians will see that particular outcome, although a product of the Indonesian justice system, as an extremely disappointing result.

Let me remind the member for Watson that it was this government, the Liberal-National Party government, that stopped the flow of unauthorised arrivals. It was the Australian Labor Party that would have kept our borders open. It was the Australian Labor Party that opposed the Pacific solution. It was the Australian Labor Party that opposed all the strong measures that were needed, and this bill is of a piece with those strong measures.

See this speech in context