2017-12-04
Government loses - Bandt's Manus motion passes house
Greens MP for Melbourne, Adam Bandt MP, provides the following comment on the government losing a vote on the floor of the house. The motion that passed the Senate last week (moved by the Greens’ Nick McKim and supported by Labor and a majority of the Senate) called on the government to support New Zealand's offer to accept 150 men from Manus Island.
"The House passed a Greens motion calling on the government to accept New Zealand's offer to take some of the refugees who are currently languishing on Manus," said Mr Bandt.
"Through a tricky procedural move, the government got a ‘do over’ and voted again.
"One MP said he missed a vote on Manus because he was 'detained'. Try going to Manus, Minister, and find out what detention looks like. If you can’t be bothered to turn up and vote for liberty, then get out of Parliament. And take this rotten government with you.
“The people are speaking and their voices are getting louder. Evacuate Manus now.”
Media contact: Gideon Reisner, 0429 109 054
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