Prime Minister
Photo: AAP Image/Mick Tsikas
PRIME MINISTER: I was pleased to be here this morning. As you heard, I give thanks for the answered prayers of so many Australians that Hakeem is coming home, we had confirmation of course of that overnight. We have seen the picture of him on the plane, with a smile on his face, and that’s great to see. And I particularly again want to thank the Thai Government for working with us so closely. I also want to thank the Bahrain Government for our interactions with them as well. We have excellent relationships with both of countries, but the best news of all is Hakeem will be in Australia this afternoon and I think that’s something we can give great thanks for and give great acknowledgment to all the fine work that’s been done by our officials, our Australians of the Year, everyone who has been involved. I thank them all very much.
JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, if you lose the medevac Bill today, why should you not drive to Government House and call an election?
PRIME MINISTER: It’s not a matter [inaudible], that’s why. I mean, the independents have said that themselves. So I think they’ve answered their own question. That matter will be determined I assume later in the Parliament today. I have made it pretty clear that the Bill is acceptable in no form. We will not be giving any comfort or any licence for the Parliament to support this in any way, shape or form.
JOURNALIST: Will you allow it to come on for a debate today though?
PRIME MINISTER: It does come on for a debate today, that’s the process.
JOURNALIST: So you will consider absolutely no Labor amendments to this Bill whatsoever?
PRIME MINISTER: This Bill is acceptable in absolutely no form. It only weakens our borders, it does not strengthen them. I will not give a leave pass to this Parliament to weaken our borders. Thanks very much.