Sarah Hanson-Young (SA, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

I fear that, at this time, with a populist, knee jerk, irrational move to ban refugees from West Africa, the minister this time has gone too far. I urge him to reconsider. I urge his government to reconsider before any more damage is done not just to Australia's reputation of being a caring and cooperative nation but to those millions of people on whom Mr Morrison is simply suggesting that Australia turn its back. We know this government needs to be doing more on the ground. We know we need to be helping to send professionals. But what we also know is that we should not be slamming the door shut and shuttering up the windows while the house is burning.

The Senate today has called on the government to provide this place by 3 pm tomorrow with the advice by which this decision to suspend the humanitarian program was made by the minister. I look forward very much to reading that advice come 3 pm tomorrow. If it is not produced by 3 pm tomorrow, you have got to wonder if this was just part of Mr Morrison's cruel crusade, or does he really think that by putting a stethoscope around his neck and walking in to question time he is instantly a medical expert on the issue?