Immigration Minister Chris Evans has reportedly said the immigration debate is “killing” the government.
Fairfax Radio Network station 2UE cited the minister as making the remark today at a conference, which was closed to the media, hosted by the University of NSW.
It said the senator told immigration experts at the event the debate was “killing the government”.
It also cited Senator Evans as saying controlling the debate on immigration had been one of his greatest failings as minister and that the issue had become toxic.
According to an audio grab, the minister later denied to Fairfax Radio the issue could cost him his job.
“No I don’t think so,” he said.
“It’s obviously a challenge for me to make sure people have the facts, that I explain what the reality is and what the government’s position is.”
# Sydney Morning Herald 14th July 2010 smh.com.au
For the full audio see http://www.smh.com.au/national/immigration-debate-killing-government-radio-quotes-evans-saying-20100714-10ao0.html