Amanda Vanstone (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

There would be, I assume, a number of compensation issues under discussion at any one time. I understand the Rau matter, which went to arbitration, is about to be resolved. There were some issues delaying that. I think I have been asked a question on that in this place before, possibly even by you, Senator. Those issues went to whether other people were prepared to accept the outcome and the risk for the Commonwealth if they were not prepared to. Action was later taken against them and they sought to join the Commonwealth as a party to the proceedings. I understand all that has been resolved and we are not far from getting to the point. I do not welcome paying compensation, because it is an indication that a mistake has been made, but in the sense that it ought to be paid, it should be paid as promptly, efficiently and fairly as it possibly can be.