Scott Morrison faces prospect of defeat on key border protection changes

The PM faces defeat on key border protection changes after Labor and the Greens teamed up with key independents.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Picture: Kym Smith

Scott Morrison faces the prospect of a humiliating defeat on key border protection changes in the parliament, as Labor and the Greens team up with key independents to allow refugees and asylum seekers on Nauru and Manus Island to be transferred to Australia on the advice of two doctors.

In a surprise tactical move, Labor, the Greens and crossbenchers teamed up on Wednesday evening to set up a vote by 1.50pm on Thursday on a government immigration bill, which they will seek to amend to include the medical evacuation provisions proposed by House of Representatives independent Kerryn Phelps.

The amendments are being supported by Labor, the Greens and Senate crossbenchers Tim Storer, Derryn Hinch, Rex Patrick and Stirling Griff.

If the amended bill passes the Senate, as expected, it would then move to the House.

The Phelps medical evacuation bill is currently stalled in the parliament, and cannot be debated without an absolute majority of 76 votes.

But by attaching the changes to a government bill, the proposed changes — which are fiercely rejected by the government — can be implemented with a simple majority on the floor of parliament.

It’s understood the amended bill — which will also include a Labor provision requiring ministerial oversight of all medical evacuations — will have sufficient support to pass the House of Representatives.

Labor, Dr Phelps, Greens MP Adam Bandt, Centre Alliance MP Rebekha Sharkie, independents Cathy McGowan and Andrew Wilkie, and former Liberal MP Julia Banks, are all believed to be ready to support the bill.

Immigration David Coleman warned the legislative ploy would restart the people-smuggling trade.

“This is an astonishing move by Bill Shorten. There is nothing compassionate about a policy that will ensure boat arrivals start again,” he told The Australian.

“It is staggering that Bill Shorten plans to team up with the Greens on this issue once again.

“Labor are showing that they are the best friend the people smugglers have ever had.”

The Labor caucus this week agreed to back the Phelps’s medivac bill, but only if the transfers were subject to ministerial oversight.

Labor vowed to retain a ministerial power of veto on all medivacs. If transfers were refused, the minister would be required to make a statement to parliament explaining why.

Labor also said it would require an independent health advice panel to advise the immigration minister on medical transfers.

Opposition immigration spokesman Shayne Neumann said at the time that Labor would maintain strong border protection policies and would not outsource the powers of the Migration Act to doctors.

“Every time the Liberals lie about Labor’s strong position on border protection, they are a walking, talking billboard for the ­people-smugglers, encouraging them to restart their vile trade,” he said.