Michael Ronaldson (Victoria, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I think that was an extraordinarily disappointing contribution from Senator Ludwig, with the greatest respect to him, to the taking note of answers. It just reinforced the point that Labor’s position in relation to this is pure political point scoring at its worst, at the expense of our international relationships. It is populist at best. The Labor Party are trying to wind back the clock. Their hypocrisy in relation to these matters today is breathtaking.

I will mention for Senator Ludwig names such as Ashmore and Cartier Islands and Christmas Island. What did the Labor Party do in 2001? They supported offshore processing. But, all of a sudden, because it is about somewhere else geographically, it is not supported. What gross hypocrisy. I will quote for you, Senator Ludwig, some comments by the member for Brand. I suspect that my senatorial colleague Senator McGauran will probably have some as well.