Helen Coonan (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts) Share this | Hansard source

No, of course it is not an act of appeasement. It is partly an acknowledgment of the fact that Indonesia does play a significant role in relation to our border protection policy. It is entirely appropriate that the government takes into account some views of Indonesia in relation to how they would propose to go about assisting us to implement an absolutely core policy of ours.

The legislation design is a border security issue. It is aimed squarely at strengthening border control measures in relation to unauthorised boat arrivals. The changes will apply to unauthorised boat arrivals regardless of their nationality. The legislation is consistent with the government’s strong ongoing commitment to upholding Australia’s international protection obligations, including the refugee convention. The UNHCR has not been entirely happy with the proposed legislation, nor was the Senate report. We acknowledge that. But certainly those criticisms have not specifically proven or concluded that the amendments would be in breach of the refugee convention. That is Australia’s obligation.

We have a long and distinguished record—and I think it is important to point this out in this debate—of responding to refugee needs. The government has a strong commitment to upholding our obligations under the refugee convention. This will continue to be the case under the strengthened border control measures. Any claims to refugee status by unauthorised boat arrivals will continue to be properly assessed in accordance with Australia’s international obligations. Refugee applicants will be provided with proper care during the assessment process—