14th Nov 2013, 3:24 PM – Representatives Motions - Asylum Seekers - Transparency

The majority voted against a motion introduced by MP Bill Shorten which is: "That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the Honourable Member for Maribyrnong [i.e. MP Shorten] from moving the motion forthwith."

This means that MP Shorten is not able to move his initial motion, which was:

That the House:

(1) notes the:

(a) Prime Minister's failure to lead an 'open and transparent' government, despite promising the Australian people he would;

(b) repeated failure of the Minister for Immigration to answer questions inside and outside the Parliament; and

(c) Government's setting aside of ministerial responsibility to pursue media spin; and

(2) calls on the Minister for Immigration to immediately explain:

(a) details about the boat carrying Somali asylum seekers that arrived in Darwin on 11 November 2013; (Read about the boat arrival on ABC News here and here. )

(b) reported statements by BASARNAS concerning the Australian interception of an asylum seeker vessel and subsequent actions and events on or around November 7; and (Read more about this interception on ABC News here. )

(c) how the Government intends to pursue its election commitment to turn back boats to Indonesia and buy back boats in fishing villages. (Read the Government's election commitment here (2 MB).)