Kate Lundy (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister Assisting for Industry and Innovation) Share this | Hansard source

I have already responded to the question of why those numbers have increased: it is because those opposite refuse to support the government's proposed arrangement with Malaysia. Our policy is to implement that agreement with Malaysia, because it is the best way to implement an orderly migration system. It is a genuinely regional solution, as the senator well knows, and the Malaysia arrangement was the first bilateral arrangement pursued and ready to be implemented under the regional cooperation framework. Unlike the policies of those opposite, it is not a so-called solution that we are foisting upon an unwilling regional neighbour. The policy is not reckless and damaging; in fact, it is the result of detailed negotiations with a key regional partner. (Time expired)