Clare O’Neil and Andrew Giles leave a press conference after telling the gathered media they had to go to a division in the House.Credit:Alex Ellinghausen
Paterson said he was “of course” concerned about the impact on members of the Australian community with links to countries such as Iran,Iraq and South Sudan,which are among countries that do not accept the involuntary return of citizens.
Asked whether it was humane to force someone afraid of returning to their own country because of fear of persecution to co-operate with their own deportation,Paterson answered:“All good questions to be answered before a Senate inquiry.”
Tehan said people wanted to know what the government was planning,“and they are rightly worried because Labor is being so secretive”.
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“Migrant communities,in particular,deserve to hear from the elected government how this legislation will affect them,” Tehan said.
In a statement,Giles said the Coalition was accountable for the consequences:“The Coalition can vote on these laws tonight. While we are working to keep Australians safe,the Coalition are playing politics.”
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