Wendy Askew (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

At the request of Senator Paterson, I move:

That there be laid on the table by the Minister representing the Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, by no later than 10 am on Monday, 16 September 2024, a copy of all advice provided by the Department of Home Affairs to the former Minister for Home Affairs, the Honourable Clare O'Neil MP, and the former Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, the Honourable Andrew Giles MP, relating to the issuance of visas to Palestinians in response to the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Public Service) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a statement.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Public Service) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Paterson's motion highlights the lack of trust in our security agencies the opposition has demonstrated throughout the debate on this issue. The opposition is recklessly asking the government to table advice from our intelligence and security agencies in relation to the Middle East. We've acted in accordance with the advice of our security agencies on this issue. The personnel and the processes that underline that advice remain the same as when the opposition were in office. Rather than engaging on the cost of living, the Liberals seek to drive fear and division in our community.

Senator Paterson has talked of a social cohesion crisis. These types of motions and the coalition's dog whistling are what is causing it. We urge the crossbench to send a message to the opposition that enough is enough. Leave our intelligence and border agencies to do what they do best, which is to keep us safe. Our visa processes are strong. The system has multiple checks built into it, and referrals can be made at any point. This is the same visa system that existed under those opposite.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that general business notice of motion No. 592, standing in the name of Senator Paterson, be agreed to.