For some reason, question time is continuing. Taking what is left of our life force.

Tony Burke takes a dixer to address some of the Peter Dutton rah-rah talk on visa cancellations from earlier today.

Why did the Albanese Labor Government abolish the golden ticket visa? Is the minister aware of proposals that undermine the integrity of our visa system?

Burke:

“When the member for Blair refers to the golden ticket visa, it’s the name often given to the significant investor visa. This is a visa that was abolished by this Government, and abolished for very good reason. Because it was not consistent with the integrity of the visa system that Australians would expect.

I had thought that that was bipartisan because of the serious national security reasons associated with its abolition. But over the weekend, over recent days, we’ve seen that once again, the Leader of the Opposition didn’t realise that there was a boom mic overhead. And when asked about this visa, he said, not realising that he was being heard, “I think we’ll bring it back.” Whether we do it before the election, we’ll have to consider all of that.”

Now, there has been a response from… (INTERJECTIONS) from the founder of the Magnitsky Act, Sir Bill Browder. And if those opposite want to discredit someone of that esteem, I suggest that they first go to the home page of Senator Paterson. You’ll find both Sir Bill Browder being praised in the Parliament and you’ll find his image on the home page of Senator Paterson. Here’s what he had to say about the proposal, and these are all quotes: “Reopening the door to organised crime.” I quote again, “The types of people who have taken advantage of this in the past are often the ones you least want to have coming to your country.” I quote again…”Australia is not such a poor country that it needs to prostitute itself to Chinese and Russian criminals.”

And one further quote “It seems like the kind of thing that someone might be doing just for a narrow group of political contributions”.

When it comes to immigration policy, I suggest the Australian people don’t look at what he says, but look at what he does. He opposed limiting the number of students coming in. He issued more visa than any other minister in history, and now, he is wanting his policy cash for visas.”

Burke sits down but there is a back and forth over whether or not he needs to withdraw an imputation against Peter Dutton. Burke says it was quotes. The Coalition are not having it. Burke withdraws to assist the house but Milton Dick warns it is going to have ramifications on using quotes for all sides moving forward.