Julia Gillard (Lalor, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

To the member's question: the government then came to parliament to change legislation to enable offshore processing, and we know that we faced a gridlock in this parliament. We sought compromise. We offered compromise and that compromise was not accepted. People will have their views about that history and people will pursue their views in the public arena about that history, I am sure. But I say to the member who asked the question and to others more generally today in this parliament that I believe the time for politicking about this is at an end. The time for action is here.

I am disappointed that it is apparent that some in this House do not share that view. That is particularly disappointing when we know that people are losing their lives. It is disappointing when we know that people are losing their lives at sea and that we need to act. This parliament has an opportunity to act. I would like us to seize that opportunity to act as early as later today. That is the choice that is now in front of this parliament. I think we should get on with it.

See this speech in context