17th Oct 2018, 4:09 PM – Senate Motions - Immigration Detention - Congratulating Liberal members for stance against children in detention

The majority voted in favour of a motion introduced by Greens Senator Nick McKim (Tas), which means it succeeded. Motions like these don't make legal changes themselves but can be politically influential as they represent the will of the Senate.

Motion text

That the Senate—

(a) notes:

(i) that there are currently around 100 children being detained by the Australian Government on Nauru,

(ii) that many, if not all of these children, are suffering serious psychological disorders, such as 'resignation syndrome', where children abandon all hopes of a better life, and become suicidal,

(iii) that the Australian Medical Association has called on the Government for "urgent action to prevent further harm to the health and welfare of child refugees and asylum seekers on Nauru, [and that] these children and their families be removed from harm and have access to healthcare of an appropriate standard",

(iv) that nearly 6 000 doctors have signed an open letter to the Prime Minister, Mr Morrison, supporting this call from the Australian Medical Association,

(v) Mr Broadbent's statement that "This is an embarrassing humanitarian crisis that the government needs to resolve in a manner acceptable to the Australian people",

(vi) Mr Laundy's statement that "something must be done as soon as possible",

(vii) Ms Banks' statement that this change-of-heart "comes from the hearts and minds of the Australian people", and

(viii) the agreement of these three Liberal MPs that "these kids have been there far too long";

(b) congratulates and thanks the brave Liberal members who told the Government their focus is only on the welfare of the children; ...