THE HON MARK DREYFUS QC MP
Attorney-General
Minister for Emergency Management
Special Minister of State
Minister for the Public Service and Integrity
MEDIA RELEASE
STATEMENT BY THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL
Today Senator Brandis has demanded that the Government publicly reveal legal advice on the Regional Resettlement Arrangement with Papua New Guinea.
As Senator Brandis knows well the longstanding practice of Attorneys-General from both sides of politics not to comment on legal advice.
In fact, former Attorney-General Philip Ruddock told Parliament on 29 March 2004:
"It is not the practice of the Attorney to comment on matters of legal advice to the Government. Any advice given, if it is given, is given to the Government."
The Government is confident that our policy complies with our domestic and international legal obligations.
The Liberal Party is desperately trying to undermine the Government's arrangement with Papua New Guinea simply because it suits their political interests for the boats to keep coming.
MONDAY, 22 JULY 2013
