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

I, and also on behalf of Senator Gallacher, move:

That, noting the sovereignty of the Republic of Nauru and Papua New Guinea, and within the limits of Australia’s sovereignty, the following matters be referred to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report by 31 December 2016:

(a) conditions and treatment of asylum seekers and refugees at the regional processing centres in the Republic of Nauru and Papua New Guinea;

(b) transparency and accountability mechanisms that apply to the regional processing centres in the Republic of Nauru and Papua New Guinea;

(c) implementation of recommendations of the Moss Review in relation to the regional processing centre in the Republic of Nauru;

(d) the extent to which the Australian-funded regional processing centres in the Republic of Nauru and Papua New Guinea are operating in compliance with Australian and international legal obligations;

(e) the extent to which contracts associated with the operation of offshore processing centres are:

(i) delivering value for money consistent with the definition contained in the Commonwealth procurement rules,

(ii) meeting the terms of their contracts, and

(iii) delivering services which meet Australian standards; and

(f) any other related matter.

Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) 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, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Senate inquiry into Nauru handed down its report around a month ago. The government, as it has already stated, is considering the report and will table its response in the Senate. Any notice seeking to establish an inquiry into substantially the same matters should only be established following a response from the government. If another inquiry is needed, it only illustrates that Labor and the Greens did not use the previous inquiry to best advantage. The Department of Immigration and Border Protection gave evidence three times to the Nauru committee; it also provided two submissions. There is no issue which was not covered by the previous inquiry that would necessitate another inquiry. The reporting date makes apparent the true intention of Labor and the Greens, which is to have a long and drawn-out inquiry as a stunt. The willingness of Labor and the Greens to use asylum seekers to perpetuate their particular approach is, I think, clear to everyone.

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

The question is that business of the Senate notice of motion No. 1 be agreed to.

Ricky Muir (Victoria, Australian Motoring Enthusiast Party) 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.

Ricky Muir (Victoria, Australian Motoring Enthusiast Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to make a short statement in relation to the motion in the names of Senators Hanson-Young and Gallacher. I share concerns around transparency and accountability of our offshore detention and regional processing centres, but I also note that recently we have had changes in the operations and certain commitments in relation to processing of refugee claims in Nauru. At this time, it is my intent not to support the motion as I want to give the new leadership of the government time to respond to the report from the most recent inquiry and to begin the implementation of any policy changes as a result. I acknowledge that there have been some very serious concerns raised; however, I am willing to give the government time to respond. I want to make it very clear though that I am prepared to reconsider this position if I am not satisfied with the government's response to the report.

Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I think in relation to the last vote there may have been a number of senators who did not make it into the chamber. I think it was a one-minute division, and it might be good to recommit that vote to ensure that the will of the Senate is reflected.

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

Senator Fifield is asking for leave to have the vote recommitted. Is leave granted?

Leave granted.

We will now put the question again. The question is that business of the Senate notice of motion No. 1 be agreed to.