Question Time AU

General Debate

Refugees

House of Representatives · Monday 29 June 2026

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

At a glance

The debate centred on a motion moved by Sarah Witty to honour refugees and acknowledge the government's commitment to the 20,000-place annual humanitarian program. Labor members emphasised the dignity of refugees, the success of settlement services, and the positive contributions of diverse communities to Australian society. Liberal members supported the recognition of refugees but argued that migration levels must be aligned with housing supply and infrastructure capacity to maintain public support. The motion was passed without division.

Outcome

The motion was agreed to without division.

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

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Sarah Witty (Melbourne) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

Witty moved the motion to mark World Refugee Day and the 40th anniversary of Refugee Week, highlighting the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention. Witty argued that Australia has a responsibility to treat refugees with decency and dignity, noting that one million permanent humanitarian entrants have arrived since World War II. Witty highlighted the government's commitment to the 20,000-place annual humanitarian program and the permanent establishment of the Community Refugee Integration and Settlement program. Witty also referenced meetings with Grandmothers for Refugees to illustrate community support for resettlement.

Opposition response

Ben Small (Forrest) (Liberal Party) Liberal

Small acknowledged Australia's history of welcoming refugees but argued that current migration levels are straining housing supply and social infrastructure. Small contended that compassion requires ensuring newcomers have access to homes and services, rather than competing with existing residents for scarce resources. Small stated that the Liberal plan seeks to align migration arrivals, including the humanitarian program, with housing construction completions to restore balance. Small argued that managing migration sensibly is necessary to maintain public confidence in the humanitarian program.