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

Of course, Senator Paterson, the ability to impose an electronic tracker, as you refer to it, was only possible after the legislation was voted on in this chamber when we last sat. I've made very clear that the Australian Federal Police and Border Force are making every attempt possible to locate this individual and ensure they comply with the law. And I dare say that they will be subject to criminal charges once they are captured. That's obviously a matter for the Federal Police, but I dare say that they will be subject to those kinds of criminal charges for breaching the visa conditions that were imposed on that individual. And I think they'll regret their actions. What we're focused on is ensuring that we have a tough correct response. We welcome the support the opposition provided us when legislation was passed here in the last sitting week, and I'm very surprised the opposition voted with the Greens yesterday against making those laws even tougher.