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

We keep going over the same ground, but, if that is the choice of the opposition, I am happy to answer. We have made it very clear that there was an agreement between the Indonesian government and the Australian government to handle those persons who were on the Oceanic Vikingto deal with the circumstances regarding that rescue at sea by an Australian vessel of those persons in the Indonesian search and rescue zone.

We took them to Indonesia. They disembarked in accordance with the agreement between the two governments. They were not taken to Australia as requested by them and as suggested by a number of senior Liberals. They were processed in Indonesia. They will be processed, while in detention, by the UNHCR. They will have their claims for refugee status assessed. If they are found to be refugees, they will be resettled. If they are found not to be refugees, they will be returned to their country of origin. These are the sorts of arrangements that have been in place and which, as I say, were reflected in the agreement with the Indonesian government. (Time expired)