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

I seek leave to incorporate into Hansard answers to questions from Senator Cash on 19 March that I took on notice.

Leave granted.

The answer read as follows—

Many of those involved in the incidents at Christmas Island and Villawood have actually been charged and remain in detention, with many on a negative pathway.

As the Senator should know, the new character provisions of the Migration Act only come into play where an irregular maritime arrival is found to be a refugee.

Before a person can be granted a Protection visa, they must be considered against new character requirements.

No person convicted of an offence related to the Christmas Island disturbances has been referred to the Minister for consideration to date.

As the Minister has said on countless occasions, he will use the full force of his character powers—introduced by this Government—where he sees fit.

For all of the Coalition's bluster and grandstanding not one visa was cancelled under the Howard Government for riots and fires at detention centres at Port Hedland, Baxter and Woomera.