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

I am advised that your assertion is inaccurate and that there is not an ability for people to apply in the way that you describe.

Senator Milne interjecting—

Just a moment, please—I will get some advice. Just to clarify, they arrive at Sydney airport and they are able to apply for a protection visa. They are not barred from that. Perhaps I can get back to you with some further detail. But I do note that we are straying from your amendment.

I think I need to take this opportunity to reiterate that the motivation of this legislation is in fact to smash the people-smuggling model. It relates to irregular maritime arrivals and our motivation is, of course, to save the lives of those otherwise motivated to travel by sea to Australia. If you would like to ask technical questions about the operation of the Migration Act more broadly, I am very happy to take those questions on notice.