Stuart Robert (Fadden, Liberal Party, Minister for Human Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

This budget once again demonstrates the Liberal-National government's commitment to strong and effective border security. It has been over 1,000 days since the last successful illegal boat arrival in Australian waters courtesy of the vile people smuggling networks. This House needs little reminding of the over 800 boats drawn to Australia because of Labor's failed policies, over 1,200 deaths at sea and in excess of $15 billion in costs. Labor's policy and management of this was truly a national disaster.

Under the coalition, the boats have been stopped. More importantly, our humanitarian program is now growing in a controlled way. This budget delivers more:    Labor's 457 blowouts have been abolished, Australian citizenship requirements have been strengthened, there is    $95.4 million to support new technologies at our borders, there is $59.9 million to enhance biometric storage and processing capabilities, there is $35.4 million to explore new technologies to help to design and build a visa processing platform system that will better manage risk and there is $52.6 million for the International Organization for Migration's work in Indonesia as part of our regional cooperation to combat people smuggling.

The dividends of strong borders because of the coalition's strong policies are easy to see. We are now seeing a new temporary sponsored parent visa, providing for a stay of up to five years, and our humanitarian program intake will increase by 2,500 places. The coalition is delivering on strong borders.