This is the first time in 90 years that a govt has had its own legislation defeated and replaced by legislation framed by the Opposition and the crossbench.
Very smart of Bill Shorten to restrict the measures to just the existing refugees on Manus and Nauru so that it will give no joy to potential people smugglers. The passed Bill only applies to seriously ill asylum seekers currently in the foregoing and provides the opportunity for them to receive medical care in Australia. Once well presumably they return to Manus or Nauru until they can be placed in another country.
The govt therefore has overplayed its hand by claiming it would weaken border security as it does not alter offshore processing and the Bill does not apply to any future refugees. The govt itself has been bringing some to Australia but regrettably too late for some which has resulted in the need for the Phelps Bill.
