Detention of undocumented immigrants, and relations with the u. S. From sky news, this is 30 minutes. Welcome toello, and question time wrap where we look at the first sitting fortnight of the new morrison government. In february of this year, the government introduced a bill that would allow the minister to exclude anyone from entering australia for up to two years if they were suspected of being involved in any terrorist activity. With a strong mandate off the back of their win, they moved to pass the bill. They did ignore a number of recommendations on the drafting of that bill from the powerful Parliamentary Committee. , the labor of the opposition much less suspect mr. Speaker, [laughter] we will say the answer. My question is to the Prime Minister and it goes to National Security. Does the Prime Minister doubt which side people are on when they support the unanimous position of a Parliamentary Joint Committee on intelligence and security . Thank you, mr. Speaker. I think he raised the role of the joint Standing Committee the joint Standing Committee on these matters does important work in the parliament. When members come to that committee, they bring forward the positions of the various parties to address the National Security issues that the countries face. What i have noted in my time in this place is that it has always been those who sit on this side of the house who have always brought the stronger position. Is always on the side of the house, with the measures for the committee, that the matters have been thought to be more [indiscernible] therefore, it is the state of the action of my government to ensure where the matters are ordered, we will always seek to remedy it. A visit to cambridge by the Prime Minister papa new guinea brought the issue of asylumseekers into the spotlight. Prime minister the Prime Minister asking australia to close their offshore detention facilities. Thank you, president. My question is to the minister. The Prime Ministers that he would like to see offshore detention ended in papa new guinea, as soon as possible. And that he has requested your government provide order. I would like to hear the question. Order on both sides of the chamber, left and right. Order. I would like to hear the question. Please continue. Thank you. Primeminister the minister has requested your government provide a timetable for ending offshore detention. What commitments has your government given to png government in the future of offshore detention and have you agreed to provide a timetable as requested by mr. Mar by . Minister, after six long years, when will your Political Prisoners on manus island finally be given the freedom and safety they need and deserve . Senator reynolds. Thank you very much. Thank you, senator question. As i said to senator ken daily, you also came for capitulating a falsehood. There is nobody no Detention Center there. Mckimd also note senator that you were not detained in papa new guinea either. Mckim, i think there is nobody in detention in manus island. Neely,id to senator ken we had a productive meeting today, senator corbin was there. Coiled discussions with the papa new guinea Prime Minister and ministers on the way forward including in manus island. Again, i have nothing further to add because what he said is a falsehood. Border. Thank you. The minister has said she has nothing further to add, but a specific question i asked her was whether or not the Australian Government has provided a timetable as requested by mr. By the Prime Minister and i ask you to direct the question. You know full well i cannot direct the minister to any part of the question. You yourself said it was a question. The minister is being relevant. Thank you. Just, to be clear i completely reject the whole premise of your question because there is nobody in detention on manus island. And in fact, you mentioned the six years, and who started those six years . Who was it who actually put people in detention there in the first place . We have worked tirelessly for six years because remember, under all of that, 50,000 people came by boat. 1200 people that we know ive died a horrific death. So that was not us. We have worked tirelessly, internationally, and in cooperation with the png government to fix the shameful mess you left. We are very proud of what we have done. Minister corbin reminds me that the Prime Minister today, when talking about it, was noting at how peaceful and beautiful manus island is, and in fact would welcome tourists to visit manus. Your time has expired. Senator mckim, a supplementary question. Thank you, president. Havend the Prime Minister claimed the people exiled to manus pie manus island six years ago are not ended tension. If there are no Detention Centers as you and the Prime Minister claim, what was that place with guards on the gates, with wire on the fences, that people are locked up in each and every night, that i was denied entry to last week, and ultimately deported from papa new guinea for asking permission to enter . What exactly was that place . Porter. Order. Senator reynolds. Senator mckim, no matter how much you scream in this place, no matter how disgracefully you act as a senator of this place, in another country as a guest of another country, cannot change the fact that they are no people in detention there on manus island. You have clearly learned nothing over the last six years about the consequences of your policy. We have spent six years working with a papa new guinea government and again that was reinforced today. And what we are doing to clean up your mess. Again i will say there is nobody in detention on manus island, and no matter how badly you behave in someone elses country, as a guest of their country, that does not change the fact, as i have said several times today in this and in this chamber. The president and i categorically reject that in any way while i was on papa new guinea. I politely asked to enter the prison. I note the comments of new zealand Prime Minister who is has reiterated through a kind offer to accept 150 people per year from manus island. How can your government continue to reject that offer and deny desperate people the freedom and safety that they need and deserve . Senator reynolds . Thank you very much. I would say i completely reject the senator reynolds . Whole precedent the whole premise of your question. Nobody is in detention in papa new guinea. The government of papa new guinea determines to enter the refugee transit center, and respective entry requirements. If they deny due entry, that is a matter of the papa new guinea government. Senator. Senator mckim. You. Ankif they perhaps the minister did not hear my final supplementary. What i specifically asked was about the offer from new zealand. And this governments rejection of that offer and she has yet to reply. You. Senator kim, you did have a preamble to the question. I consider that to be part of the question. The minister is allowed to answer that. Thank you very much mr. President. Again, this is a matter for the government of papa new guinea. Friendly nation, a country of which we have great connections with, and they denied you entry to a facility that is in their control. It is an issue for them. I have to say, reading a little bit about your conduct, im ashamed that somebody in this chamber went again to a friendly country, a neighboring country, and acted in a way as you did, senator mckim. That is something for your conscience, it is not something this government or anybody else in this chamber the answer has expired. Annelise press freedom in australia became a global topic when a french journalist and his tv crew were arrested filming ntu protesters. Police accused the journalist and his crew of a blocking a railway line. Thank you, mr. President. My question is do to the minister for Foreign Affairs, senator payne. After the arrest of four french journalists, has the minister been in contact with the french ambassador or attempted to see the general moan see the gentleman concerned . What actions will the Australian Government take if an australian journalist was arrested in similar circumstances in france or perhaps hong kong . Thank you very much. Thank you for your question. On the 22nd of july, the queens land Police Arrested seven people following protest activity at a port facility. Servicensland police said that they will appear on the third of september this year. Any inquiries relating to the circumstances of the arrest of course would be appropriately referred to the Queensland Police service. Any inquiries regarding support which would be extended to French National ones which will be addressed by a france. By france. Supplementary question. Thank you. Further question for the minister, how will the government respond to the concerns of the International Community regarding australias press freedoms after the heavyhanded arrest of these four journalists . And can you answer the remainder of my first question, what would you do if it was an australian journalist in france . Thank you very much. Australia does [indiscernible] when they are traveling overseas in a broad range of circumstances. That is their responsibility without department of Foreign Affairs and trade, something we take seriously. In relation to the matters of that, i presume they relate to an Ongoing Investigation being carried over by the Queensland Police service. I do not want to comment on those details. A final supplementary question. Australias International Reputation has been called into question after the arrest of these four french journalists on the back of National Broadcaster and raids on individual journalists. What will the government do to restore the faith of the australian citizens and the International Community of our french freedom . Thank you very much, mr. President. As i said in recent weeks when i spoke at a conference on these matters in london, the Australian Government has asked what the Parliamentary Committee and security content to conduct an inquiry into how Law Enforcement and intelligence powers do interact with protections for journalists and press freedom to ensure that we do strike the right balance. The Australian Government has also directly invited media organizations to provide direct permissions to governments and engage those organizations prior to those on the key issues of concern to them in the government. The government is looking forward to working with them in continuing a constructive dialogue. We are committed to ensuring that in our democracy, we strive to write the balance. The important right balance between a free press and keeping australian safe. Of ourdamental penance democracy which australians expect us to observe. Annelise earlier this year when legislation was being debated that would allow the evacuation of refugees from offshore processing to australias medical treatment, confidential advice from australian Security Agency was leaked. Questions were raised about why an investigation by the Australian Federal police was discontinued into that leak. Thank you. My question is to minister representing the. Mr. For homeless affairs. When classified advised was linked in february, duncan lewis advice isclassified leaked, it undermines all that we stand for. Given the strength of the director generals view, why did the afp discontinue its investigation . Senator cache. Thank you, mr. President. As senator cannily would now, the Australian FederalPolice Conducted their investigations and carry out their operations independent from government. Order. Order. Senator cannily, supplementary question. The commissioner said we do not actually convince an investigation because we saw the prospects of a successful investigation of prosecution were limited. That foi documents leaked only 10 people in the department of Homeland Affairs and the minister had access to this confidential advice, does the minister agree the prospects of the prosecution are limited . Senator cache. Thank you. Again, i would refer to my previous answer. A final supplementary question. Leaks,esponse to the minister denton said i have not leaked anything. Nobodyster also said is above the law and the police have a job to do under the law. That means only 10 people are left. Will the minister now commit to reopening the investigation . Senator cache. Thank you. In response to that question, i would again refer to my answer to the initial question. Annelise for the First Time Since he lost the election, former Opposition Leader bill short and asked a question of the government. Services, hement asked about accusations about unfairly targeted by automated Debt Collection calls. I call the member forward. My question is to the minister for government services. Death noticesmany issued under the Governments Program have turned out to be wrong . The minister for government services. The ministernk barden. Let me thank the minister for his question. As you know, under the income compliance checking process which is now tricking an update updating past income processes, we have since july 2015, recovered 1. 9 billion of the 800,000 income compliance reviews since 1 july 2016 that have been finalized. 80 have resulted in a debt being dealt being collected. 80 . 80 . Right across australia, as of the 30th of june, 2019, there are 1. 5 4 million outstanding social welfare debts with a value of just shy of 5 billion. , this government like all governments, has a lawful responsibility to collect where citizens have a mismatched what they said they had earned a versus what through their tax return they have been shown to earn. That mutual obligation is something that has been around for decades and decades. Governments of all persuasions havethe last 20 plus years sought to recover debts that have arisen because citizens have put forward an assessment of their income and when their tax return came through, that was different. That difference has to be accounted for. That is a mutual obligation that citizens have with their government. Whoi say to all citizens are receiving income support or indeed family assistance payments, regularly update through either the god of application, through a telephone service, or a service center. Update the assessment of your income. Because when your tax return is returned, they will be met, they will be checked, and if there is any discrepancy at all, we have a legal obligation to contact the citizen concerned and seek to explain the deficit. This has been a processed government a process governments have done for over 20 years. Not just this government, but many members have been part of that. Member wit when the member met mann was the governor, that member did this program. The member for sydney also followed that process. Following the member for sydney was the member for gordon. He also followed that process as will subsequent members. We seek to do it compassionately and sensitively, but there is a lawful requirement. Members on the left. At the right time. Annelise . Allegations of corrupt dealings australians cap crown museum were aired with allegations that they were trading favors with government officials including allegations that casino officials had a direct signed consulate faces the highrollers. Call the member form from melbourne. The question is about the standards. Yesterday, despite reports you are ministers lobby on behalf of the ground, you said there was nothing before you to warrant taking action. You opposed a parliamentary inquiry. The attorney general has worsened referred the allegations to the Law Enforcement integrity commissioner. This will not to look into whether you ministers have acted improperly. Given the allegations regarding these matters, can you assure the house that you are fully investigated and none of your ministers on behalf of lobbied it on behalf of the ground or is it a case of down ask, dont tell . Going to hear members from my right. Reflections on members, that is a reflection on all ministers here without identifying which minister he is reflecting on. There were no allegations at the top in the media or otherwise. I think this is out of order. It is not up to me what was in or not in the media, only judge questions. I will not have a Media Summary in with me. With respect to his point of order, the practice is clear on reflections, i have to be they have to be direct reflections on particular members of parliament. I think he would find the president questions this nature have been asked before. Obviously, it was a long question. The full 45 seconds worth, i will allow the question and obviously the Prime Minister has the amount of preamble and the nature of the 45 second contribution that was not a question. The Prime Minister has extreme latitude in how he wishes to answer it. General. L the attorney the state of attorney, the same latitude. There are two matters we can provide in response. First, with respect to the statement i made earlier today. That all of the matters that have been raised in recent days in the media have been referred by me to the commission of Law Enforcement integrity, pursuant to section 18 of that act. As i noted for the members benefit this morning, in making that referral, im simply saying there are concerns that have been raised to allow for that precautionary referral to the commission of Law Enforcement integrity. He may decide to take further action. He may report back to me that there is a there is not enough to warrant a full investigation. But that is the body that is best placed to make any investigation of questions that have been raised in the media. As to the broad nature of the issue you raised, i can say that with respect to the idea that there is some kind of favoritism or fast tracking, there are systems in place representing the minister of Foreign Affairs now where a variety of passport holders, particularly referenced in the white paper on developing accessia, are able to and facilitate quick visa processing. There is nothing new in that. That has occurred on both sides of the house. If there are specific allegations the member wants to make, perhaps he needs to make them. Annelise the government was forced to answer questions about the conservative Political Action conference with labor in the greens accusing the government of supporting those with extremist views. A handful of former and current liberal mps speaking at the event alongside antiislam activists. Senator warren. Thank you. My question is to the minister representing the right the Prime Minister. He is attending the conference, or cpac. First australian event in sydney next week. He is best known for inviting holocaust denier Charles C Johnson to the stage of the state of the union. Mr. Johnson is a man who has asked for help taking out a black lives matter activist and denied that over 6 million jewish people were murdered in the holocaust. Does the Prime Ministers support members of his party room attending the cpac conference . Much, mr. Ou very president. Im not aware of the detail of the issue you raise, and i am not going to just talk about the aspects of it. The issue you rises very serious. You raise is very serious. I think it is well understood that the coalition has a strong and proud record of being a supporter of israel. I would reject any implication in that question that we are anything other than that. Beyond that, in order to deal with the question that you have raised with the appropriate level of sensitivity and accuracy, i will take it on notice. Supplementary question. The Prime Minister mr. Morrison has said previously i will always be prepared for extremism and all of its forms. The member for hughes Craig Killian will be attending this event with mr. Gates. Will the Prime Minister call that extremist when they stand next to each other on stage . Thank you very much, mr. President. Of course, the Prime Minister stands by his statement. I do not accept the premise of the question that senator wong has asked. As i have indicated in response to the primary question, i will provide an answer. A final supplementary question. I again to refer to mr. Morrisons assurances that he will always be prepared to call out extremism in all of its forms. Will he guarantee no current or former members of the parliament including craig stoker or former Prime Minister minister abbott will attend this conference . Thank you very much. Indicated, inady response to the primary question, i will make sure i am aware of all of the facts before the making before making an instant an informed statement. Do not i will get back. Christina cannily demanded one of the speakers be blocked. She accused him of promoting violence against women and hate speech. Thanks, mr. Speaker. My question is addressed to the Prime Minister. Mr. Pratt is the Prime Minister comfortable with the decision to commit him to enter australia and allow government members to share a public platform with him when he has made many many comments including remarks about the Scottish First minister that im certain he would agree about misogynistic and completely unacceptable . The minister for immigration. Thank you. Thank you, mr. Speaker. In relation to the question, all applications to enter australia are dealt under the provisions of the migration act. All noncitizens must make the character test. The people who may hold , any impactl views of those views must always be balanced against australias wellestablished principles of freedom of speech. I will not make any comments about specific applications or cases. On the point of order, the question also went to weather the Prime Minister is comfortable with government the leader of the opposition will resume his seat. For the information of those asking questions, the practice makes it clear that the Prime Minister can refer any question. Annelise australias relationship with the u. S. Took center stage with the u. S. Secretary of state mike pompeo visiting australia for talks. It is there that australia was asked for Strategic Support in this rate of hormuz. The Prime Minister did roll out any kind of missiles being based in the north of australia. Thank you, mr. President. My question as to the minister of defense. This weekend, you will be attending the australianUnited States on sense and Foreign Affairs. Can you update the senate on the importance of a defense relationship with the United States . Miniter of defense, senator reynolds. Thank you, mr. President and also thank you senator fossett. Thank you for your support to this Important Alliance we have. The sesident, trailingUnited States alliance is the cornerstone policy of australias National Security. The alliance is about assuring our defense and security interest in shaping a peaceful and prosperous region in our area. Be alliance continues to contributed to peace and stability, and also globally. Will attend the australianUnited States meeting. The 34th such meeting. And i will minister host the u. S. Secretary of state and also the secretary of defense. This provides an opportunity to discuss wrigley important issues including our defense capability relationships. Afforded has unparalleled access to the most advanced technology, equipment, and intelligence. All central to maintaining the effectiveness of our Australian Defense force. For example, the air force is the only air force outside the United States committed to operating the closer so facilitates industry cooperation. This in turn strengthens the which is a key objective of this government. They are also a key strike 5 the joint cooperative program. Participation in this program enables us not only to acquire Edge Capability but also provides the opportunity or Australian Companies and workers, which is developing critical components for the lucrativeter to enter chains. Kets and supply this all means more australian jobs. Greatare just some of the examples of the benefits of our alliance with the United States. Thank you, mr. President. Minister, could you update the senate on how the Defense Forces and the unitedia states are working together both around the globe and in our region . Senator reynolds . Thank you very much, mr. President. Both e personnel from australia and the United States side ue to Work Together by side around the world as we for over a hundred years to pursue our shared values and also our shared enters. Middle east, the 88 are working alongside the provide security and stability for the people of iraq and also afghanistan. Visited the ly region, i can confirm that our people are doing work with our in the u. S. To make a real difference to the lives of thousands of of people in the middle east. Today, australia deploys the 278 this deployment epresents australias commitment to stability in the middle east and our commitment to work with the United States global peace and security. Thank you, mr. President. Any ter, could you outline other ways that australia and he United States are working together to ensure australias National Security . Thank you very much, mr. President. Over 50 years australia has worked with the United States to security and al also global strategic stability. Integrated intelligence joint ration at facilities right across australia. In lities such as pine gap the northern territory. The facilities also, like the Australian Defense satellite station, in my home state of western australia, which hosts a u. S. Mitt system, manned by both 80th and u. S. Forces. Station located is receiving u. S. Project funding n recognition of the Important Role intelligence plays in ensuring the safety of both u. S. Personnel ian deployed overseas. Australias defense intelligent is one of the most tangible manifestations of the depth of our alliance with the United States. Thank you. This ends this episode of wrap. On time thank you for your company. Cyberintelligence and rapid deployment. Eastern a meeting of the Defense Advisory Committee on the investigation and Sexual Assault in the armed forces. Next, well hear from two democratic president ial candidates, congressman tim ryan and former representative john delaney. Climate and a Agricultural Forum in londonderr londonderry, new hampshire. This is just over an hour