Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the House) Share this | Hansard source

No more extraordinary than the contribution by the Manager of Opposition Business. The debates and votes that we have had, the divisions where they have sat against concluding the debate in this House, where they voted against the negation of the adjournment debate—which would have concluded the debate at 7 pm—would have meant that not only could we consider it in the Senate but also that it would have been back here in the House tomorrow. That was their position an hour ago, but they cannot keep a consistent position for a minute, let alone an hour. So let us get real about this. The Manager of Opposition Business just indicated that it would be our responsibility if children were put on boats. The previous speaker from the opposition, the shadow Treasurer, said that kids would not be on boats; they would be sent to Malaysia. The inconsistency in their position is extraordinary. I have been in this place since 1996. I was here when the Tampa came in. I have been here during the entire period of the former government. I was here for 'children overboard'. I was here for all of those events. What we have had here is sanctimonious nonsense from those opposite. The fact is that the government has a position on the table. It provides a real solution—not an easy one, but a real solution and a real opportunity to go forward. It is being done on the advice of the experts—people like Andrew Metcalfe. People like Andrew Metcalfe have briefed us in meetings we are not allowed to talk about.

Government members interjecting —

And them. The experts have said this is the best way forward. So do I find it easy? No, I do not—on a personal level, not at all. It runs counter to a whole range of things I have said over a long period of time. But let me tell you: I am not prepared to be a cabinet minister in a government and say, 'I was given advice by the experts and I chose an easy option.'

Mr Schultz interjecting—

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