Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Hansard source

I think it is important to recognise this is a procedural motion that we are debating here at the moment. The purpose of the procedural motion is actually to allow additional time for the consideration of the legislation that we are seeking to introduce here. The terms of the motion that I have moved is that the Senate will sit for so long as the Senate feels it needs to in order to debate and examine the legislation. So there is nothing in the motion that I am moving that seeks in any way, shape or form to preclude the Senate from executing its duties and obligations. The Senate will sit for so long as the Senate feels that it needs to examine these matters.

Mr President, just to respond to Senator Hanson-Young's question in relation to the necessity for this legislation: I think colleagues would be well aware that offshore processing is a central part of our efforts to protect our borders, and it is important to ensure that there is certainty and a robust legislative basis for offshore processing.