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

I find it quite incredible that the opposition, which is so badly divided on these questions, would seek to give us advice. People are engaging in a serious public debate about the humanitarian treatment of refugees and our international treaty obligations—which the government maintains it is honouring through the legislation it has before the parliament—whereas your policy is to tow back to sea vessels that come to this country, risking the drowning of many thousands of people. We have a situation where your historical record is a legacy of shame—and you want to give us advice on human rights! I find you have more front than Myers to be able to argue that case. Frankly, your position is without credibility. You have no credibility when it comes to the issue, given the way in which you have treated Australian citizens, let alone people seeking refugee status in this country. (Time expired)