Bob Carr (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

Supporting refugees and potential refugees is a regular part of Australia’s aid effort, whether they are in Australia or elsewhere in the world. In 2013-14 we will report up to $375 million, consistent with OECD reporting code 1820, the costs of basic sustenance for refugees waiting to have their claims heard in Australia, to support people who have come from some of the most dangerous parts of the world—Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, Iran—consistent with the practice of other OECD countries, the ones Senator Rhiannon claims we fail to keep pace with. For example, in 2011 the US reported $836 million for such costs, France $545 million, Sweden $489 million, the Netherlands $481 million and Norway $263 million. (Time expired)