House debates Questions without Notice
Immigration Detention
Dan Tehan Wannon, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Immigration and Citizenship
2:27 pm
My question is to the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs. Minister, you weren't talking to the secretary of your department when 149 former immigration detainees were roaming free and 39 asylum seekers arrived at Beagle Bay in Western Australia. Why should the Australian people have any confidence that you can keep them safe?
Milton Dick Speaker
I'm not sure if that was a statement or a question at the beginning—I'll hear from the Leader of the House on a point of order. There was a question at the end of the statement.
Mr Tony Burke Watson, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations
The member has been here long enough to know if he's using the word 'you' it's a question directed to the Speaker. The question could at least be phrased in a way that's in order.
Milton Dick Speaker
I know the member for Wannon always likes to follow the rules, so I'll allow him to rephrase the question.
Dan Tehan Wannon, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Immigration and Citizenship
Would you like me to ask the whole thing again or just the question?
Milton Dick Speaker
You can do the whole thing. I'm feeling generous today. It's Easter.
Dan Tehan Wannon, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Immigration and Citizenship
My question is to the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs. The minister wasn't talking to the secretary of his department when 149 former immigration detainees were roaming free and 39 asylum seekers arrived at Beagle Bay in Western Australia. Minister, why should the Australian people have any confidence that you, the minister, can keep them safe?
Clare O'Neil Hotham, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Home Affairs
You had one job!
Milton Dick Speaker
Order! The Minister for Home Affairs will cease interjecting.
Andrew Giles Scullin, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs
2:29 pm
I thank the member for Wannon for his question, but let me make one thing very clear: the allegation that it's based on is simply not true. It is simply not true. I can say, further to that, that I speak with Ms Foster very regularly, as I did when she was the associate secretary. She is a highly credentialed public servant who I am privileged to work with together with my friend the Minister for Home Affairs.