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

I thank the senator for her question. I indicate very clearly that the government's position on mandatory detention is that it is an essential aspect of our measures in regard to border control. I would also indicate to the Senate that this is a matter that has enjoyed bipartisan support for some considerable time. The minister has made perfectly clear repeatedly that the government makes no apologies for making sure that unauthorised arrivals do not pose a health risk and that appropriate measures are taken to ensure that identity and security checks can be under­taken so that persons who do arrive in such a manner are not a risk to the community. The government is committed to ensuring that asylum seekers within the immigration detention facilities are housed in humane and appropriate conditions and are provided with appropriate services and care. We ensure that people in detention get health care and support that meets the same standards as in the wider community, care which includes support for mental health measures provided by qualified health professionals.

The government are very open about this matter. We are very accountable for the operations of the immigration detention system. However, we also acknowledge the enormous pressures that are on the network at this time. We have worked very diligently to ensure that there is a change in the culture of detention. We have delivered on it by moving the majority of children in detention into community accommodation. We have undertaken reforms to improve the pro­cessing of asylum seekers' claims. We have ensured the number of irregular maritime arrivals in detention facilities dropped by almost 2,000 since April. The government remain committed, however, to the policy of mandatory detention. (Time expired)