Fed: PM refuses to join slanging match over migration bill

AAP General News (Australia)
08-09-2006
Fed: PM refuses to join slanging match over migration bill

JOHN HOWARD's refusing to buy into a slanging match between his backbenchers .. over
the government's controversial migration bill.

Debate on the bill's begun in federal parliament .. with the prime minister facing
a backbench revolt over moves to have all boat arrivals processed in offshore detention
centres.

Earlier this morning .. Mr HOWARD told reporters .. he won't be expressing any opinions
outside parliament.

He says a lot of changes have been made in the bill to accommodate the concerns of
some colleagues .. but in the end the overwhelming majority view must be respected.

Mr HOWARD says the public wants strong border protection legislation .. and that's
what the bill's all about.





Liberal moderates are worried the laws will dismantle a key concession they won from
the government last year .. keeping women and children out of immigration detention.

Backbenchers PETRO GEORGIOU and RUSSELL BROADBENT reportedly intend to cross the floor
.. despite Mr HOWARD urging unhappy MPs to abstain rather than side with the opposition.

Queensland Liberal MP CAMERON THOMPSON says his colleagues' position is unprincipled.

And West Australian Liberal DON RANDALL says dissident MPs will embarrass themselves
.. not the government .. by voting against the bill.

AAP RTV mb/sb/tm/jmt

KEYWORD: MIGRATION HOWARD (CANBERRA)

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