Question Time AU

General Debate

Asylum Seekers, Albanese Government

House of Representatives · Tuesday 4 February 2025

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

Cassandra Fernando addressed the House regarding the Albanese Government's record on resolving the status of asylum seekers and supporting families. She highlighted the transition of over 19,000 people to permanent visas and the reunification of families, contrasting this with proposed Liberal Party policies to revoke visas and reduce humanitarian intake. Fernando also detailed domestic initiatives including expanded paid parental leave, childcare affordability reforms, and cost of living relief through tax cuts and energy rebates. The speech concluded with a commitment to continuing support for families in the electorate of Holt.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Cassandra Fernando (Holt) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

Fernando argued that the government had rectified past injustices by granting permanent visas to 19,150 asylum seekers who arrived before 2013 and issuing 8,000 visas to their partners and children. Fernando opposed Liberal Party proposals to revoke resolution-of-status visas, reintroduce ministerial direction 80, and reduce offshore humanitarian places from 20,000 to 13,000 annually. Fernando emphasised that keeping families apart was contrary to Australian values and that the government prioritised compassion and fairness. Fernando stated that these policies provided dignity and security to those who had endured long periods of uncertainty.