Senator FAULKNER (Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) (2:53 PM) —My question is again directed to Senator Vanstone, the Minister for Immigration, Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs. What type of agreement, understanding or arrangement exists between Australia and Syria in relation to the voluntary or involuntary return of failed asylum seekers to Syria? Does the arrangement include the return of non-Syrian nationals to Syria? Does the arrangement contain any financial component or incentives for Syria to accept failed asylum seekers from Australia? Can the minister advise how many failed asylum seekers have been returned to Syria under this government? What are their nationalities?

Senator VANSTONE (Minister for Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Reconciliation) —I had a brief on this the other day in relation to a question asked of me by the Australian Greens, but I do not have that with me today. However, I should be able to get you the advice on that matter pretty quickly, in particular the numbers. As I recall, they did not accord with the proposition put by the Greens senator in relation to that matter. The numbers were relatively small. There are people who voluntarily go back there. But I think it is best if I get you a specific brief on the issue.

Senator FAULKNER —Mr President, I ask a supplementary question. I thank the minister in advance for providing that information. I ask the minister the nub of this question: could the minister please explain to the Senate why Australia sends non-Syrian nationals to Syria? That is the issue, Minister, which I would like you to address. An additional issue that is important and that you could perhaps also address in your answer is whether non-Syrian nationals returned to Syria have the full rights of citizens.

Senator VANSTONE (Minister for Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Reconciliation) —Senator, I have found the brief that I was referring to. I will make the point that the department is not dumping people anywhere, which I think was the allegation made by the Greens recently. If people have no further right to remain in Australia, of course DIMIA is obliged to assist them to travel to a country where they hold a valid visa for entry, thereby meeting the obligations of the Migration Act. Third-country nationals who travelled to Syria did so voluntarily, independently obtaining visas permitting entry into Syria, which is, again, inconsistent with the proposition put by the Greens. The government does have a well-developed system for refugee status determination, including appeal processes, which ensures that each asylum seeker's case is considered objectively and on its merits. Protection is given to those who need it.

Senator Faulkner —The issue is why non-Syrian nationals are being sent to Syria.

Senator VANSTONE —The advice I have on Syria is that third-country nationals who travelled to Syria did so voluntarily. If you have further information that would encourage me to go behind that, I am happy for you to raise it with me privately, and I will do so. (Time expired)