Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Nettle for her question. In the first instance, the detention debt regime, as applied to those who have been in immigration detention, is being reviewed by me. I received advice, maybe a couple of months ago, about this issue and it seems that the cost of administering the scheme to raise the debt either outweighs or is close to a break-even point in terms of the money brought in. It does seem to be a crazy situation to run a system to raise debt when it costs us as much to raise the debt as it does to generate income from it. I think that there is a need for a review of the detention debt regime and I have asked for further advice on that. I have to consult with the Minister for Finance and Deregulation as well, because he has a role in the raising of the debts et cetera. I understand debts are forgiven in a range of cases, but I can get the senator more detail on that. I do think that the detention debt system is in need of an overhaul and I have asked for further advice on it. I will be looking to reform the system when I have better advice.