Kim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research) Share this | Hansard source

What I can assure the senator, as she well knows because of her interest in this topic—she would have heard government ministers say this over and over again—is that the government was spending $164.5 million to provide for the secure accommodation of 1,500 people at the northern training centre. The government will be working with affected communities to minimise the impacts of any new centre. The impacts will be paid for by the government.

That was always the case, Senator, as you well know. All health and education costs associated with the government’s detention activities will be met by the Commonwealth, as is always the case. Services provided to asylum seekers will include education, English language lessons for adults, health services on site and recreational facilities such as for sport to ensure that people are looked after properly. These are the standard provisions that the Commonwealth ensures will be provided. You know that. (Time expired)