Senator CASH (Western Australia—Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Women) (14:54): I thank Senator Smith for his question. The Senate will be aware that in the 2013 election the coalition went to the election with a very, very clear suite of policies. On 7 September the public of Australia cast their vote, and they cast their vote in favour of the coalition's policies. We committed to the Australian people that we, unlike the former government, would implement policies that would break the people smugglers' business model, which the other side had continually fuelled whilst it was in government. Those on the other side would know that they failed Australians in relation to border protection like no other government has ever done in history. This government was elected with a very clear mandate to implement Operation Sovereign Borders and I am pleased to advise the Senate that we have made a difference from day one. There has been an over 80 per cent reduction in the number of boats coming to this country since Operation Sovereign Borders commenced. In relation to the offshore— Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order! I am entitled to hear Senator Cash's answer and Senator Cash is entitled to be heard in silence. Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order! I am entitled to listen to the answer, as is Senator Smith, who asked the question. Senator Cash, continue. Senator CASH: Thank you, Mr President. In relation to offshore processing, the Abbott government is fully committed to offshore processing, unlike the former Labor government, which used the term but failed to do anything with it. In relation to the rapid transfer process, I can advise the Senate that this is happening and the majority of people are being transferred within 48 hours to Nauru or Manus Island. We have, of course, taken off the table the people smugglers' business model, which is the promise of a permanent protection visa. Our policy is very clear: no person that comes to Australia under the Abbott government will receive a permanent protection visa. This government has the right policies in the right hands— (Time expired)