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Nationality and Borders - Sitting 3

23 September 2021

Proposing MP
Roger Gale Con
Herne Bay and Sandwich
Type
Public Bill Committee

At a Glance

Issue Summary

Roger Gale introduces George Brandis QC, High Commissioner for Australia to the UK, who provides context on Operation Sovereign Borders and its impact on illegal maritime arrivals in Australia. Roger Gale is interrupting questions during a discussion about Australia's policies on managing irregular migration. Roger Gale is addressing the effectiveness and costs of Australia's offshore immigration programme. Roger Gale is closing the session and thanking George Brandis for his testimony on Australia's immigration policies.

Action Requested

Brandis outlines the timelines and objectives of Operation Sovereign Borders, which was implemented by the Australian government starting September 2013 under Scott Morrison's leadership. The operation aimed to address a significant increase in irregular maritime arrivals, primarily through disrupting people smugglers' activities, turning around unsafe vessels, and processing refugees offshore.

Key Facts

  • Operation Sovereign Borders introduced in September 2013.
  • Over 50,000 illegal arrivals occurred via 827 vessels before the operation.
  • More than 1,204 people drowned attempting the journey.
  • The implementation phase lasted nine months and by July 2014, irregular maritime arrivals ceased completely.
  • Roger Gale limits Bambos Charalambous to his last question.
  • The cost of Australia's offshore programme was estimated at about $1 billion per year.
  • More than 4,000 people were offshored during the peak period between 2012 and 2014.
  • Almost half of those offshored had returned to Australia by 2021 according to a report by the Kaldor Centre.
  • Roger Gale acknowledges that there is not enough time to call all colleagues who wished to speak.
  • The Committee voted for a time-limited session.
  • George Brandis provided testimony on Australia's regional processing agreements.
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