Senator ABETZ (2:00 PM) —My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship. How much closer to fruition is the East Timor offshore processing facility as a result of the Prime Minister’s recent overseas trip?

Senator CARR (Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research) —I thank the senator for his question. The Prime Minister has raised a number of issues with regard to our regional processing initiatives. Those discussions are progressing. As both the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship and the Prime Minister have made clear, this is a process that will require careful consideration and careful negotiation on a regional basis.

Senator ABETZ —I am sure the Australian people are reassured by that answer. Mr President, I ask a supplementary question. With whom did the Prime Minister raise the possibility of an offshore facility during her recent overseas trip and what were the outcomes of those discussions?

Senator CARR (Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research) —I do not have a brief on the particulars of the outcomes of those discussions.

Senator Brandis —That’s because there isn’t a brief.

Senator CARR —This sort of Perry Mason approach—

The PRESIDENT —Senator Carr, ignore the interjections. They are disorderly. Those on my left know that. Continue with your answer.

Senator CARR —These are sensitive questions. It does not serve the opposition well to suggest that these things can be dealt with in this sort of glib fashion. There have been discussions with a number of regional governments and those discussions remain the province of those ministers until such time as they are able to report fully to the parliament.

Senator ABETZ —Mr President, I ask a further supplementary question. Given that Ms Gillard was given the prime ministerial mantle because the previous Prime Minister had lost direction, can the Senate be advised of the main points of difference between Mr Rudd’s and Ms Gillard’s plans for controlling our borders?

Senator CARR (Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research) —The discussions that the Prime Minister has had confirm a strong commitment to regional action to address people-smuggling and the readiness of various governments within this region to work with Australia on the development of a regional set of arrangements. The discussions through the G20, and other conversations, have indicated that the regional solution to the problem of irregular migration is being appropriately discussed in private with those governments to achieve the policy outcomes that I would have thought the opposition would be subscribing to as well. The President of Indonesia, for instance, has indicated that there is value in the regional approach. Other regional leaders have also indicated their support for the initiative. (Time expired)