Chris Ellison (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Justice and Customs) Share this | Hansard source

by leave—The situation with the Migration Amendment (Designated Unauthorised Arrivals) Bill 2006 is that the government will not be proceeding with it. On that basis it is appropriate that we consider other legislation, which we are doing—that is, the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Amendment Bill 2006. There was debate on this last week; it is in continuation. I see Senator Scullion is in the chamber. I believe he is in continuation and can continue that debate. The decision was made a very short time ago. In the circumstances, it was appropriate that we dealt with other legislation. I can tell the Senate that the Prime Minister is making an announcement, I think as we speak, in relation to the migration bill. It will not be proceeded with.