Chris Bowen (McMahon, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Immigration and Citizenship) Share this | Hansard source

As I was saying, the government took the advice of the Australian Federal Police about how to best manage what was a difficult situation, as I think the member for Cook would do if he were to hold the office I hold. If he were not to do that, if he ignored the advice of the Australian Federal Police, he would not be fit to hold the office that I hold. It was clearly the case, as I have previously said publicly, that the three detainees who were on the roof also accessed the roof cavity. I have said that publicly before. I am sure the member for Cook reads transcripts of my radio interviews. I have also made it clear that I authorised the appropriate use of force if the safety of the officers using the force could be guaranteed and could be justified. I made it very clear that the use of force was authorised by me if appropriate and if regarded by the Australian Federal Police as being safe.

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