Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

Senator Sheldon, I understand that you have asked several questions in relation to this matter that have been responded to by Minister Reynolds. I will reiterate what previous ministers have said, because obviously now we're in the filibuster to end all filibusters on what is an incredibly important bill, which I understand your caucus has agreed should pass this place. We'll wait and see if that actually does occur.

As previous ministers have responded to you in relation to questions of this nature that you have continually put this morning, the Australian Border Force are working with the Victoria Police, otherwise known as VicPol. You are continuing to conflate the issues, and that's fine. You and I had this discussion yesterday in terms of the conflation of the issues. I understand you may have had a similar discussion with Senator Seselja last night. I was sitting outside for a short period of time. You had a similar discussion with Minister Reynolds this morning, as is your right.

I can also advise, as Minister Reynolds has already advised, that, in relation to the questions that are being put, Australian Border Force officers conduct regular visits to any vessel of interest. Australian Border Force officers conduct regular wharf patrols and provide a high-visibility presence, maintaining a periodical or permanent Australian Border Force marked vehicle presence at the gangway. They seek continuous CCTV monitoring by the national monitoring centre of vessel gangways. If a crew member leaves a vessel in contravention of the restriction on board then local police authorities and/or port security will be contacted to effect the relevant state government health response. After that, the only thing I can add is to reiterate what Minister Reynolds has said several times today: the Australian Border Force are working with the Victoria Police, otherwise known as VicPol.