Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection) Share this | Hansard source

It is a fact, and Australians know it, that any federal government has the sovereign right to control its borders. We on this side understand that. Those on that side failed to understand that whilst in government. The Australian people, in casting their vote at the federal election in September 2013, clearly cast a vote in favour of the coalition's policies. It is only by delivering on our strong border protection policies that we will stop the chaos, the tragedy and the bill, of in excess of $11 billion of taxpayers' money, that was irresponsibly racked up by those on the other side because they failed Australians when it comes to protecting Australia's borders. To relinquish control of your migration program to the people smugglers is one of the most fundamental mistakes a government can make. (Time expired)