Senator VANSTONE (Minister for Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Reconciliation) (9:41 PM) —I thank senators for their contribution to the debate on the Migration Amendment (Duration of Detention) Bill 2004 and, in particular, Senator Bartlett for pointing out what section 196 says, for admitting that he too looked at it and thought it was as clear as a bell and for showing great compassion in understanding the government's frustration with something that he admits on its plain reading is very clear. Senator Bartlett also cited the point that the court said that parliament has not made its intention unmistakably clear. That is the very purpose of this bill, to make it unmistakably clear. I understand that Senator Bartlett also wants to make it unmistakably clear, unfortunately in a way which is diametrically opposed to the government's view, but at least I clearly understand his position.

Question put: