New laws to fast-track medical transfers for asylum seekers detained offshore are a step closer with Labor agreeing on amendments with crossbenchers. The MPs have been locked in discussions on Tuesday about making it easier for sick asylum seekers to be flown to Australia for treatment. Under the negotiated amendments, the Home Affairs minister will have 72 hours to make a decision on whether to agree to a medical transfer. The minister will only be able to reject the transfer on national security grounds or if the person has a substantial criminal record and poses a threat to the Australian community. Labor originally wanted no definitive time limit on decisions, and a stro nger character test to give the minister more discretion. But the Greens pushed back and so Labor revised its position to come up with amendments the crossbench could support. Independent Cathy McGowan, a key vote on the proposed new laws, says she is prepared to back them. Six of the seven lower house crossbenchers need to vote in support for the measures to pass. The coalition says the medical transfers bill will damage Australia's border protection policies. "We've watched this show before," Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton told reporters at Parliament House. "At least Kevin Rudd waited until he got into office before he dismantled the government's successful border security measures." If Labor's compromise amendments are made to the legislation the Senate passed in December, it must return to the upper house for approval. Cabinet minister Mathias Cormann, the government's Senate leader, is prepared to use delaying tactics to halt the passage of the bill. "We are doing whatever it takes to prevent this bill from becoming law and you will, of course, see how these processes are going to evolve over the next 24 to 48 hours," he told reporters. "Many people have made judgements about what they apparently know will happen, all I will say to you is, 'watch this space'. "As we did before Christmas, we will do everything we can to stop Bill Shorten from undermining our national security and our strong border protection arrangements." Prime Minister Scott Morrison says no matter what changes are made, the legislation won't be acceptable. I will not give a leave pass to this parliament to weaken our border security," he said. Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said the government "confuses stubbornness with strength" and it was possible for Australia to have strong borders and treat refugees humanely. Australian Associated Press
New laws to fast-track medical transfers for asylum seekers detained offshore are a step closer with Labor agreeing on amendments with crossbenchers.
The MPs have been locked in discussions on Tuesday about making it easier for sick asylum seekers to be flown to Australia for treatment.
Under the negotiated amendments, the Home Affairs minister will have 72 hours to make a decision on whether to agree to a medical transfer.
The minister will only be able to reject the transfer on national security grounds or if the person has a substantial criminal record and poses a threat to the Australian community.
Labor originally wanted no definitive time limit on decisions, and a stronger character test to give the minister more discretion.
But the Greens pushed back and so Labor revised its position to come up with amendments the crossbench could support.
Independent Cathy McGowan, a key vote on the proposed new laws, says she is prepared to back them.
Six of the seven lower house crossbenchers need to vote in support for the measures to pass.
The coalition says the medical transfers bill will damage Australia's border protection policies.
"We've watched this show before," Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton told reporters at Parliament House.
"At least Kevin Rudd waited until he got into office before he dismantled the government's successful border security measures."
If Labor's compromise amendments are made to the legislation the Senate passed in December, it must return to the upper house for approval.
Cabinet minister Mathias Cormann, the government's Senate leader, is prepared to use delaying tactics to halt the passage of the bill.
"We are doing whatever it takes to prevent this bill from becoming law and you will, of course, see how these processes are going to evolve over the next 24 to 48 hours," he told reporters.
"Many people have made judgements about what they apparently know will happen, all I will say to you is, 'watch this space'.
"As we did before Christmas, we will do everything we can to stop Bill Shorten from undermining our national security and our strong border protection arrangements."
Prime Minister Scott Morrison says no matter what changes are made, the legislation won't be acceptable.
I will not give a leave pass to this parliament to weaken our border security," he said.
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said the government "confuses stubbornness with strength" and it was possible for Australia to have strong borders and treat refugees humanely.
Australian Associated Press
0 Response to "Deal close on refugee medical transfers - The Flinders News"
Post a Comment