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

As I was saying, the member for Corio, the shadow minister for immigration, is on the record as admitting that turn-backs have had an effect. But, unfortunately for the shadow minister, it was but a very brief moment of clarity before other Labor figures pulled him aside and said, 'That is not our policy—you need to correct the record.' I have in front of me—and Tasmanian senators will be familiar with this publication—The Examiner, which reports: 'Senators don't support the policy,' and quotes Senator Singh as saying: 'Turn-backs endanger the lives of those at sea.' Senator Singh, I have to say—through you, Mr President—that it was your failed policies that endangered the lives of in excess of 1,200 people who died at sea. We also have the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Shorten himself, coming out today and confirming: 'Turn-backs are not part of the opposition's policies.' No turn-backs, no border security—people smuggling will become rife if those opposite are re-elected to govern. (Time expired)