Nick McKim (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

I want to follow up with, probably, Minister Cormann on the matter that Senator Keneally was just asking about, which is the large number of people in Australia who are on temporary visas. It's about 1.6 million people, as I understand it. Could you first confirm, Minister, that there is the capacity under the amendments that you have just tabled for support to be provided to people who are in Australia and on temporary protection visas and for various reasons are not able to leave the country or who actually live in the country but do not have access to income supports. So, firstly, does that capacity exist under this amendment? Secondly, is it the government's policy intent to provide those people, many of whom are seeking asylum, many of whom are New Zealanders living in Australia and many of whom are new permanent residents and various other working holiday visa holders, a level of income support?