WILKIE HAILS ASYLUM LOSS

I NDEPENDENT MP Andrew Wilkie says a historic government defeat on asylum seeker policy is “compassion triumphing over inhumanity”.

TASMANIAN federal politicians in favour of the medical transfers Bill have hailed the Government’s defeat.

Independent Denison MP Andrew Wilkie said the decision was a case of compassion triumphing over inhumanity and illegality.

“Today’s vote is also a triumph for our democratic system because the parliament worked as it should. A majority of members represented their communities and worked cooperatively in the public interest,” Mr Wilkie said.

Greens senator and immigration spokesman Nick McKim said the vote was a “body blow to the politics of fear”.

“The Greens will continue working until every single person detained on Manus Island and Nauru is brought here to Australia,” he said.

Labor senator Lisa Singh said Labor was committed to the principle that refugees who were ill should have access to medical care. “I have listened to Tasmanians concerned about the neglect of refugees offshore under Australia’s care. This Bill addresses some of that neglect,” she said.

Liberal senator Richard Colbeck said Labor’s position showed the party was “weak and divided” on border security.