Senator CARR (Victoria—Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research) (14:58): Perhaps I can provide Senator Cash with some information that she is seeking. I can say that the government is sending a clear message to the people smugglers that asylum seekers should not bother coming to Australia by boat, because they will not be processed here. The transfer arrangement means that the people-smuggling business model will be completely undermined and it will deter those who are trying to make the dangerous journey to Australia by boat. The discussions with Malaysia, I am advised, are well advanced and are in the process of being finalised. Senator Cash interjecting— Senator CARR: Senator Cash asks about the role of the UNHCR. I indicate to Senator Cash that, once in Malaysia, transferees will go into the mix for processing, alongside more than 90,000 UNHCR registered asylum seekers or refugees already in Malaysia. The UNHCR will be involved in a range— Senator Cash: Mr President, I rise in point of order. It is pretty obvious that my point of order goes to relevance or, rather, irrelevance where the minister is concerned. The minister is clearly reading the wrong brief, because he is not answering the question that I asked. My question was directly related to a statement made by the Prime Minister on radio 6PR on 8 July 2010, where she stated: I would rule out anywhere that is not a signatory to the Refugee Convention. In relation to the deal with Malaysia, isn't this just another example of the Prime Minister going back on her word? The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. Senator Carr, you have 46 seconds remaining to answer the question. Senator CARR: Mr President, I am absolutely devastated! The PRESIDENT: Senator Carr, I just need you to address the question, not your personal circumstances. Senator CARR: It is very rude of you to talk like that in the chamber, Senator Cash, and I think you should have your attention drawn to the UNHCR spokesperson, who has said, 'As we understand the MOU, Australia's obligations under the Refugee Convention are not compromised provided that the fundamental rights of asylum seekers and refugees are assured in Malaysia.'What we have done with this agreement, for the first time, is get the UNHCR directly involved in discussions about the welfare of refugees in Malaysia. That is a very significant advance for refugees and for human rights. (Time expired)