Steve Georganas (Hindmarsh, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I regret that we have an issue here that is not being treated by the opposition with the seriousness that it deserves, and it is a serious issue. One might have thought that they could have made a valuable contribution towards the consultations, towards the department of immigration’s management of operations on the ground and especially towards the government’s existing and ongoing consultation with the local community groups, representatives and residents. Yes, I am all for consultation, as the member said. I always have been when it comes to issues in my electorate, and I am sure the member for Mayo is doing the same in his electorate. Regrettably, though, we see in this motion the same kind of fishing expedition that we have seen in other opposition motions to form investigative committees which are nothing but fishing expeditions for political purposes and will not contribute towards a positive outcome.

I would like to refer to the member’s motion. It calls for an investigation into the suitability of the site, but by what criteria? Where are the criteria? There are none. What is the impact on the local community, the economy and small businesses? The department will be increasing economic activity, we hear. We already know this. This increase is said to be good for the coffers of local businesses, so that question is answered. With regard to the cost and level of services to be provided at the facility, how does the member think this information will be sourced? How does he think that a committee will dig out this information? They would ask the minister and the department. That is the obvious course of action. They would ask a question and, if that is all they would do, I do not know why you would need a committee for this purpose. Just ask the question and be done with it, and do not waste our time. It would be a similar situation to seek information on potential risks, although what risks the member is referring to I do not know.

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