Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Abetz for the question. Question No. 673, asked on 30 May, related to contraband and weapons in immigration detention centres since 1 January 2008. The answer to this question was due to be tabled on 30 June 2011. The question seeks detailed information on a number of complex and sensitive issues; the details are contained within narrative reporting prepared by officers of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship's detention service provider.

It has been necessary for departmental officials to go through and closely examine all situation reports dating back to 1 January 2008. As a consequence, these situation reports are produced after each relevant incident and cover details of major, minor and critical incidents. Every single one of these reports is examined fully and with appropriate care to ensure that the Senate receives an accurate and full answer. At this juncture the response is being carefully checked to ensure that all information provided is current and addresses the matters raised by Senator Abetz in his question.

Even though the department has not yet provided the answer to Senator Abetz, it remains fully committed to providing an answer to the question as soon as possible. As a consequence of Senator Abetz raising it today, I will again let Minister Bowen know that this issue has been raised, that Senator Abetz is seeking a response to the question and that we should encourage the department to provide the answer as early as possible.