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

One of the reasons citizenship is important is that it lets that individual contribute fully to Australian society. It also ensures that we get full benefit from their skills and abilities. It also helps build social inclusion. People who are included and who feel part of a community are more likely to contribute and more likely to be part of a cohesive society. That is something that this country has done very well over many years. We have seen migrants come to this country, become citizens and make a contribution—people like Sir Gustav Nossal, Dr Victor Chang, Professor Fiona Woods, Leo Sayer and Marcia Hines. There are four migrants in the cabinet. You may not regard that as a good contribution, but four of them are in the cabinet, including the Deputy Prime Minister. I am pleased to say that new migrants are represented right around this chamber and all are making a contribution to our democracy. (Time expired)

Mr President, I ask that further questions be placed on the Notice Paper.