Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Hansard source

by leave—On behalf of the government, I indicate that we will not be supporting the postponement of notice of motion No. 1166 in the name of Senator Anning in relation to a bill proposing to introduce a plebiscite restricting non-European migration. The government strongly oppose this bill. We do not want to see it proceed in any way.

Australia has a very proud track record over many, many decades now of welcoming people to Australia from all corners of the world, from a whole range and broad variety of backgrounds. That has made Australia a richer, a better and a stronger country. We pride ourselves on being a country where every migrant who chooses Australia to become there home, who works hard and who makes a contribution, is warmly welcomed. We don't believe that we in Australia should go back to what is reflected in this bill. It is important for the Senate to express that very firmly today, and that is why the government will be opposing this proposed postponement.