QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator ROBERTS (Queensland) (14:38): My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Watt. Last November, I asked you about the country of origin of refugees in your government's refugee visa program. Your response on notice stated, 'There were no visas granted to citizens of Nigeria or South Africa through the offshore refugee program.' In my question, I pointed out the reason why we're not taking in Christian refugees is that your government is taking refugees almost exclusively from Muslim countries or communities.

Minister, why is your government not offering refugee status to Christians currently being subject to persecution, violence and murder in Nigeria and South Africa rather than taking the people who are propagating the culture of violence?