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

In relation to part (a) of the motion, on the issue of the 153 asylum seekers, the government notes that the matter is currently before the High Court and accordingly will be making no further statement. We respect the court's processes and await the court's decision. We will work constructively and in good faith with the High Court. In relation to the return of 41 Sri Lankan nationals who attempted to arrive illegally by boat to Australia as part of a maritime people-smuggling venture, the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection issued a statement on Monday, 7 July 2014 in relation to this matter.

In relation to part (b) of the motion, the government does act and will continue to act in accordance with our international obligations, including applicable international conventions and to protect the safety of life at sea. We are continuing with the measures introduced by the former Labor government, who used these measures on at least 30 occasions to return people to Sri Lanka where they were found to not engage Australia's obligations. At the same time, we will not allow people smugglers to try to exploit them and manipulate Australia's support of these conventions as a tool to undermine Australia's strong border protection regime—that is, stopping the boats and deaths at sea.