Murray Watt (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you, Senator Paterson, for giving me the opportunity to correct the misrepresentation of my remarks yesterday in question time that you've engaged in. I was very clear, and I invite anyone to have a look at the Hansard of yesterday's question time to see what I actually said on this matter rather than at how Senator Paterson has chosen to twist my words in the media today. I refer Senator Paterson to the statement that I made just prior to question time so that everyone was in a position to understand the latest developments on this significant decision. It is obviously a significant decision, and, as I said in my two-minute statement, all Australian governments are bound by decisions of the High Court. The decision was only handed down a couple of days ago, and we have been acting quickly to interpret that decision, bearing in mind that reasons for the decision have not yet been provided by the High Court. But I refer in broader answer to Senator Paterson's question. He seems to be aware that Minister Giles issued a statement early this morning providing a further update on this matter, and I'll read it to the chamber:

The Government notes the High Court ruling on November 8 in NZYQ v. Minister for Immigration …

We are considering the implications of the judgment carefully and will continue to work with authorities to ensure community safety is upheld.

The plaintiff has been released—as ordered by the High Court. Other impacted individuals will be released and any visas granted to those individuals will be subject to appropriate conditions.

And that is what is occurring. Any further statements or any further announcements about releases will obviously be made in due course. But the fundamental point here is that we are already complying with the High Court's decision in relation to the plaintiff. The minister has made clear his intentions regarding other individuals who may be affected by the decision, and, as I say, other announcements will be made in due course.