Dan Tehan (Wannon, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Immigration and Citizenship) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs. In Senate estimates last night it was revealed that on 8 August, 14 September and 12 October last year, the general counsel of the Department of Home Affairs met staff in the minister's office to discuss the legal prospects and policy options that led to the release of 149 hardened criminals into the community. It was further revealed the minister did not attend any of these meetings. Why?

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

I thank the shadow minister for his question. I say once more it was a decision of the High Court that required the release of the individuals. As minister and as a member of this government, my No. 1 priority has been doing everything I can to keep the community safe and that continues to be my commitment.