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

I thank Senator Cash for the invitation to point out for those opposite that the Malaysian arrangement would mean a solution to some of the issues that you raise. However, if those opposite were really concerned about the cost of immigration detention facilities then they would stop the negativity that they raise and work with this government to find their way clear to vote for the legislation to ensure that we can have a Malaysian arrangement in place. But rather than that, the cheaper option and the preferred government policy is to have a successful Malaysian arrangement. The increase in the detention centres which Senator Cash has highlighted in her question does reflect the expansion of the detention network since the contracts were originally signed, including the opening of 10 new facilities. (Time expired)