Clare O'Neil (Hotham, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Home Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek to add to my answer given in question time today. I was asked by the shadow minister when the government was first informed that the instrument designating Nauru as a regional processing country had lapsed. I explained in my answer that it was on 15 December. I was a bit surprised that the member for McPherson asked that question because the member knew the answer to this question. She was personally informed two days ago in a briefing with officials that the first time the Department of Home Affairs notified my office of the issue was late in the evening on 15 December. To clarify, it was well after parliament had risen. Further, the initial advice to my office was only that the instrument had lapsed, and my department was seeking further clarification on the process to reinstate the instrument. The Prime Minister's office was informed at the earliest possible opportunity. That was the following morning.

I say that I'm surprised the member did not remember her briefing from yesterday, but I'm not sure I should be surprised, given that it was the member who, as Minister for Home Affairs, failed to ensure that her department had the processes in place when she was informed twice as home affairs minister in 2021 that this was due to lapse. Unfortunately, this is not—

Milton Dick (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! The minister will resume her seat. Has the minister concluded her additional answer? I remind the House that, if ministers are providing additional information, they are to do it at the first opportunity and in a succinct and short manner.