Paul Scarr is the Shadow Immigration Minister. He serves in the Shadow Ministry, though not in the Shadow Cabinet, and he joins us now. Senator, thank you for the conversation. Why should Sussan Ley remain as Leader of the Liberal Party and thus the Opposition?
Senator Scarr
Good to be with you, Paul. Good to be with your viewers. I think we’ve got to remember that it’s only been nine months since the last federal election campaign, and from my perspective, I believe Sussan deserves a fair go. She deserves clear air, especially after that terrible, horrific Bondi terrorist attack. I was absolutely inspired by the way Sussan rose to the occasion, acted in solidarity with our Jewish community in their worst moment, and stood with them through that whole process. I think Sussan’s efforts in that regard, and my dear friend and colleague Julian Leeser’s efforts as well, helped drag the Albanese Labor Government, kicking and screaming, into establishing a Royal Commission. That was a profound moment and a real success. I also note that Sussan has successfully navigated the very difficult issue of an affordable and reliable energy policy. That’s now been put to bed. It is a major policy position and a significant milestone for the Coalition. Since that decision was reached, there has been no disagreement within the team. Everyone has gotten behind it. So, I continue to support Sussan. Whatever happens this week. Whatever happens, I just dearly hope everyone comes out of it united and committed to providing a strong Opposition to hold the Albanese Labor Government to account.
Paul Murray
I didn’t want to interrupt, but I will from now. You’re at a point where the opinion polls are at 19%. One Nation has taken most, if not all, of that support. So, the reality is that despite what you’re talking about, the public do not believe what you’ve just said as a reason to rally around the party—let alone the Leader.
Senator Scarr
I acknowledge the opinion polls. We’ve come through an extremely difficult time over the last few weeks. Obviously, the Coalition split apart, and then there were weeks—18 or 19 days—where we were just talking about ourselves. The Australian people have rightly become frustrated by that, and we need to do a better job. There’s absolutely no question about that.
Paul Murray
Tactically, one of the things in the mix with Bondi was the demand that Parliament return—and of course, the split in the Coalition that followed, based on how things were negotiated and the final positions. That’s something the Nationals have to take responsibility for. But surely Sussan Ley does as well, doesn’t she?
Senator Scarr
I think Parliament should have been recalled before Christmas. I was actually in the United States when 9/11 happened, and I remember members of Congress coming together on the steps of Congress singing God Bless America. It was a unifying moment for the whole country. So yes, Parliament should have been recalled before Christmas, and we should have passed whatever laws we could as quickly as possible.
In my portfolio space—and it hasn’t been discussed much—there were important reforms and amendments made to the Migration Act. These will boost the powers of the government to screen and vet people seeking to come to Australia and assist in the cancellation of visas for people engaging in conduct contrary to Australian values, including people walking down the street screaming “globalize the Intifada.” So there were significant reforms passed.
Paul Murray
Do you believe someone has changed their mind when it comes to the numbers I was talking about earlier? Do you believe this should be tested within the next 24 or 48 hours?
Senator Scarr
I think the expectation of the Australian people is that this needs to come to an end as quickly as possible, and we need to move on. That has to be the priority from my perspective.
Paul Murray
Your hope would be that the 51 Liberals in the Federal Parliament have the opportunity to make a choice and have that vote, whenever it’s deemed appropriate, before they all fly home on Friday?
Senator Scarr
I’d simply make two points. First, Sussan is an incredibly honourable person, and she will do the honourable thing in all of the circumstances, in conjunction with our whips—who are good people. Whatever process unfolds from here, it will be fair and reasonable, and that’s how it should be. Secondly, speaking as someone who has been a member of the Liberal Party since I was 17, so, for 39 years, we need this to come to an end as quickly as possible, and we need to present a unified front. Whatever the result over the course of this week, we need to accept it and focus on the job the Australian people elected us to do.
Paul Murray
All right, Paul, appreciate the short notice. Thank you for turning up. I do appreciate it. Senator Paul Scarr joining us there from Canberra.
