Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash
Shadow Attorney-General
Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations
Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate
TRANSCRIPT
Sunrise
Topics: Immigration detention, Mark Dreyfus
7 December 2023
E&OE.
Matt Shirvington
For more, we’re joined by Shadow Attorney-General Michaelia Cash. Good morning to you. What did you make of that behaviour?
Senator Cash
Oh, completely, totally and utterly outrageous. But I’m also glad you asked because I don’t know if you saw Mr. Dreyfus on the ABC last night. They conveniently didn’t even go anywhere near this issue, Matt. It was an outrageous comment. He should apologise. The only thing that was absurd was A) his response, and B) the government’s handling of this train wreck issue. The federal government’s responsibility to the Australian people is to keep them safe. And the Anthony Albanese Labor Government has fundamentally failed Australians in this regard. That’s what’s totally absurd about this situation.
Matt Shirvington
So the question, I think most agree, wasn’t absurd. I think the Australian public want an apology for the way it’s been handled, want to know that at least the government is apologetic for the way they’ve handled this. But should he apologise to the reporter?
Senator Cash
Well, I believe that he should because reporters are entitled to ask questions. The question was a very, very fair one. Are you going to apologise to the Australian people for your completely botched response to this situation? We’ve had now four detainees who have been released and have offended. This is a rolling trainwreck. Another day, another Australian is put at risk. Again, responsibility of the federal government, Mr. Albanese. The safety and security of Australians – it is a basic responsibility, but a fundamental one. The question I have is, and Peter Dutton has asked this, how many more Australians are going to be put at risk because of the actions of this government? Another day, we wake up another detainee that has been released by this government has offended. It is just not good enough. Of course they should apologise.
Matt Shirvington
They are trying to fix the problem with your support, as well, these preventative detention laws that have been passed through parliament with bipartisan support. Is it enough? How far will it go?
Senator Cash
Well, in the first instance, why weren’t they ready four weeks ago? The government have known since June of this year that they are on shaky ground. Governments prepare – responsible governments, should I say – prepare for every single scenario. The best case scenario, the worst case scenario. They were not prepared. They have been dragged kicking and screaming to put in place a preventative detention regime. Remember it was Peter Dutton – on day one – who said to Mr. Albanese, “do this, you will have our support”. And guess what we were told by Labor? “You can’t do it”. Well guess what? You could, they now have. The question now is, though, for Mr. Albanese. He should stand up, front the Australian people today and say how many of the 147 released detainees will be going back behind bars? Because at the moment, guess what? The government can’t tell Australians. Again, you have one job. Keep Australians safe, and the Albanese Labor government are failing badly in this regard.
Matt Shirvington
Well, it’s going to be a long process because they have to bring them back into court, the judge needs to make a decision on whether or not they have to go back into detention. Michaelia Cash, thanks for your time. Appreciate it.
Senator Cash
Great to be with you, Matt.
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