Senator LUNDY (Australian Capital Territory—Minister Assisting for Industry and Innovation, Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Minister for Sport) (14:24): The government has agreed in principle to implement the recommendations of the expert panel on asylum seekers, and these recommendations cover the regional processing in Nauru and PNG on the principle of no advantage. This is part of a broader framework to better deal with asylum and protection issues in the region as is necessary to combat people smuggling and prevent the tragic loss of life at sea. We have always been committed to working closely with regional partners, and the arrangement with Nauru and PNG sends a clear message that countries in this region will take the action necessary to ensure the integrity of their borders and undermine people smuggling networks. The message to people smugglers and asylum seekers is that there is no advantage travelling by boat. In addition, regular and safer avenues for migration are being made available through the program. The memoranda of understanding that Australia has entered into with both Nauru and PNG sets out who will be transferred, and while the agreements set out who will be transferred, Australia will of course take into account any concerns raised by Nauru or PNG, as is usual for people subject to entering a foreign country. Senator Milne: Mr President, I rise on a point of order—that of relevance. This is a critical issue. The minister has been asked directly about the procedures for removing asylum seekers from the plane when the Nauruans have said they will not use force. Will the minister please answer that question. Senator Chris Evans: Mr President, on the point of order, when the minister was interrupted due to the point of order being made she was discussing directly the agreement between the Australian government and the Nauru government for the transfer of people to Nauru. It was exactly on the topic raised by the senator in her question, directly on the question of those arrangements that exist between Australia and Nauru, and I would put to you that the minister is being directly relevant to the question asked of her. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. The minister has 41 seconds remaining. Senator LUNDY: We are not going into any detail about the operational arrangements of transfers. Section 198AD refers to the taking of people to a regional processing country and provides that certain actions may be taken to effect a transfer, including placing the person on a vehicle or vessel and restraining them. It also provides that in doing these things an officer may use such force as is necessary and reasonable. Of course, the objective here is to effect those transfers safely and effectively.