Senator CARR (Victoria—Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research) (14:23): As the minister has indicated on numerous occasions, that is in fact the nature of the agreement. Opposition senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: If those on my left wish to debate it, the time is at three o'clock. Senator CARR: If the opposition were serious about humanitarian outcomes, surely they would also recognise that the agreement with Malaysia offers the chance for the resettlement of 4,000 refugees who are currently in Malaysia. Those 4,000 under the UNHCR require protection and are awaiting resettlement. I think it is a very disturbing undercurrent in the opposition views about Malaysia that in regard to its commitment to this agreement— Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Senator Carr, please resume your seat. Motions to take note of answers and debate take place at three o'clock. Senator CARR: What we do know is that there are 4,000 refugees in Malaysia who would under the terms of this agreement be able to be moved to Australia. So on the simple question of whether people that are sent to Malaysia will be caned, the answer is no. They will be treated with dignity and with respect in accordance with human rights standards. That clearly means there will be no caning. That is what the agreement makes very clear. It is important to note that the transferees will have legal authority to remain in Malaysia and be able to work. On the other hand, the proposal that the Liberal Party are advancing is to suggest— Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: When there is silence we will proceed. I remind senators on both sides that this sort of debate across the chamber does not help the dignity of the chamber one iota—not one iota. Senator CARR: The Malaysian Minister for Home Affairs made it very clear in his view. He asked: Are you telling me Malaysia is so bad that we are worse than the human traffickers? That is clearly what the opposition are now implying, that Malaysia is such a terrible place that it would be better to put these people in the hands of the people smugglers. You ask yourself what level of hypocrisy senators opposite will sink to, and there is clearly no bottom to the pit in which you will fall.