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

From the outset, I make the point that push factors are responsible for the increased movement of people throughout the world. We see increased arrivals in Australia consistent with the increased arrivals in many other Western nations. I understand that Greece has had 15,000 arrivals in the first six months of the year, which doubles the number they received last year.

We have seen a large number of Sri Lankans on the move. They have been fleeing to Western Europe, to Canada and to Australia. We get our share, although it is still a small proportion, of the Sri Lankans seeking asylum in the world. The particular gentleman referred to was on Lateline. I had dinner with Pal in Sri Lanka a couple of months ago. He is a former serving official of our Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, so he obviously has a very fond view of Australia. He made the point that Australia is a very attractive destination, and that is right. All the western democracies are attractive destinations for people seeking safety.