Migration Amendment (Strengthening the Character Test) Bill 2019

The majority voted against a motion to amend the usual second reading motion "that the bill be read a second time". Reading a bill for a second time is parliamentary jargon for agreeing with the main idea of the bill.

Motion text

That all words after "That" be omitted with a view to substituting the following words:

"the House:

(1) declines to give the bill a second reading; and

(2) notes that the:

(a) Immigration Minister already has broad discretionary powers to refuse or cancel visas under Section 501 of the Migration Act;

(b) Government is yet to make a compelling case for the powers contained in this bill; and

(c) Government has not considered the wider impact of this legislation, particularly on Australia's important relationship with New Zealand and in light of the significant concerns raised about the disproportionate impact this proposed change will have on New Zealanders".