Senate Blocks Labor’s Attempt to Contain Further Fallout From Immigration Appeal

The Coalition, Greens and crossbench senators voted to refer the legislation to an inquiry, stymying Labor’s attempt for a quick fix to its immigration woes.

Refugee supporters hold placards as they gather to protest the Nauru refugee detention camp in Sydney, Australia, October 5, 2016. Peter Parks/AFP via Getty Images

Labor’s hopes of stopping the politically damaging fallout from a forthcoming High Court immigration appeal have been dashed by the other parties in the Senate, with the Coalition, Greens and crossbench combining to refer its proposed legislative fix to an inquiry.

The Migration Amendment (Removals and Other Measures) Bill passed the lower house on March 26, and needed to pass the Senate on Parliament’s last sitting day before the court ruling.