Media release

Senator Chris Evans

Leader of the Government in the Senate
Minister for Immigration and Citizenship

14 July 2010

PRIME MINISTER CHANGES NATURE OF DEBATE

Immigration and Citizenship Minister Senator Chris Evans today acknowledged that the
debate surrounding the issue of asylum seekers has been a difficult one during the past few
years.

“I have previously acknowledged that this has been a difficult debate for the Government
over a long period of time and that there has been a level of public concern surrounding the
issue,” Senator Evans said.

“The debate has changed substantially since Julia Gillard became Prime Minister and
seized the opportunity to confront the issue and speak honestly and frankly with the
Australian people.

“She has called on all Australians to have a debate based on the facts and she has made it
clear that we must provide the Australian people with those facts.”

Senator Evans said the Prime Minister had also informed the Australian people that there
were no quick fixes when it came to this complex, global problem. The Prime Minister has
decisively changed the nature and tone of this debate.

“We now have a clear way forward under Prime Minister Gillard,” he said.

“We are focused on developing a regional protection framework and are already engaged in
discussions with East Timor.

“The Australian Government believes that building a sustainable regional protection

framework is the most effective way to address irregular migration.

The framework involves the development of a comprehensive approach to the management

of irregular migration through cooperation with transit, destination and origin countries as
well as relevant UN agencies and international organisations.

Media Contacts: Rhys Davies 0411 138 572