Sarah Hanson-Young (SA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to amend general business notice of motion No. 427 standing in my name today related to Mr Hamid Kehazaei.

Leave granted.

I move the motion as amended:

That the Senate—

requests that the Minister representing the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection provide the chamber with an update on the events that led to the death of Iranian refugee, Mr Hamid Kehazaei.

Question agreed to.

Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Gavin Marshall (Victoria, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I make a statement on behalf of Senator Cash. Hamid Kehazaei passed away on Friday, 5 September. An imam was present at the time of death, and the government of Iran has been informed. As stated by Minister Morrison, the Australian government extends our deepest sympathies to the man's family and friends. Mr Kehazaei was transferred to Australia from Port Moresby on 27 August following medical advice regarding his deteriorating health. I can advise that the chief medical officer of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection is conducting an in-depth clinical review of the background to the transferee's medical condition and care while at the Manus offshore processing centre. The department will consider what additional appropriate assistance it can reasonably provide to the family, should this be required. Criticisms regarding the circumstances of the death to date are not based on any primary knowledge of the event or circumstances, and such commentary is unhelpful.