Andrew Giles (Scullin, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

and law enforcement to ensure community safety. I recognise that the work they have been doing in recent weeks has been absolutely exceptional, and I thank them for their hard work.

I also say that the legislation we've introduced today will make our laws more durable and get ahead of any future challenges. And this bill will make strong laws even stronger by creating new offences which deal with recently released detainees, including by making it an offence for some to work with another person who is a minor or another vulnerable person; an offence for going near a school, childcare centre or daycare centre; and an offence for an individual to contact their victim or their victim's family. We're doing this because it matters. We're doing this—and this is really important—because it's not talking tough that keeps Australians safe; it's strong laws and a relentless focus on compliance—two things that members opposite know very little about.

I'm asked about contrasts. I see reports in the media today that Liberal frontbencher Dean Smith wrote a letter requesting that a convicted paedophile be released from detention. Liberal frontbencher Senator Smith knew the seriousness of this man's offending but requested he be released anyway. Senator Smith wrote:

I also believe that in the time that has past, (the man) has demonstrated significant repose and repentance, alongside ongoing rehabilitation with the active support and guidance of the … community of WA.

He was saying this about a man convicted in 2015 of sex with a girl aged between 13 and 16 and who has subsequently had his visa cancelled.

Contrast this to the resolve we are showing, making tough laws tougher, strong laws stronger and, fundamentally, fixing the mess left by those opposite, particularly by the Leader of the Opposition—the man who is always talking loud and saying nothing. (Time expired)

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