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

I thank the senator for her question. I am not sure whether she is arguing that they should be taken to Christmas Island or should not. I have heard so many different positions from the opposition on this. But, turning to the first part of her question, I can indicate that the provincial governor seems to have softened his earlier comments and is quoted as saying:

But if it’s an order from Jakarta, we have to accept it.

I note that a spokesperson for President Yudhoyono has clarified Indonesia’s position and that they will be honouring the undertaking from the president that they will cooperate in the disembarkation of those passengers at the Indonesian port. So we expect that agreement to come to fruition, as I say, and we expect those passengers to be disembarked at the port of Kijang.