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

We are obviously not at liberty to go into the detail of what the next operational steps are, for obvious reasons. This parliament has already tipped its hand enough to the people smugglers. We won't be doing that and compromising our operations. What I can say to inform the Senate of the direct response to the legislation passed this morning is that the government has decided to approve the reopening of the Christmas Island detention centre facilities and a series of compounds, both to deal with the prospect of arrivals as well as dealing with the prospect of transfers. The full cost of those measures, as set out in a declassified briefing, is currently about $1.4 billion. The final cost of all necessary measures will be staged over the ramp-up of those facilities, and that is taking place in accordance with the recommendations from the secretary of Home Affairs. In relation to the implementation of the laws passed through the Senate earlier today, the Prime Minister has asked the Department of Home Affairs for an implementation report. (Time expired)