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

The arrangements that the government has entered into with the government of Malaysia are about sending a very clear message to the people-smuggling syndicates. This is about stopping the boats by encouraging people to understand precisely what Australia's attitude is in regard to the treatment of people who are using this trade, which we think is very dangerous. When you talk about human rights, encouraging people to get on these boats is totally inconsistent with that. Australia is actually increasing its humanitarian intake as a result of these arrangements. It is about improving the treatment of refugees throughout the region. It is, in the government's view, a contribution to a regional solution to ensure that we are able to deal effectively with the question of refugees.

On the other hand, the opposition's position is to use Nauru, which is a very expensive option that has a demonstrated record of failure. In regard to their attitude on TPVs, it saw a situation where they actually encouraged people to get on rickety boats and risk their lives. It failed as a policy. So the government is clear in its view that, in regard to our human rights obligations, the Malaysian proposition is one that ought to be supported.