As more coalition MPs come out on the side of "compassion" for the Tamil family detained on Christmas Island, Tasmanian senator Eric Abetz has doubled down on defending their treatment and living conditions.
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Four-year-old Tharnicaa Murugappan was medically evacuated to a Perth hospital last week diagnosed with sepsis after being unwell on Christmas Island for 10 days.
Family campaigners stated the condition was due to "untreated" pneumonia during her illness.
They have been in detention since 2018 when temporary bridging visas expired, but the Biloela community - and now a national campaign - has been urging the Immigration Minister to allow them to settle in Australia.
Senator Abetz disputed whether the conditions on Christmas Island contributed to Tharnicaa's illness, and stated that "the family in question has a dedicated health care team".
He said the minister should remain steadfast.
"Like the courts, the minister must follow the law as well as be aware of the incentive her decisions may have on others similarly seeking to illegally enter or overstay their visa in Australia," Senator Abetz said.
He was also critical of the actions of the parents, claiming they would have been aware that they would not be able to remain in Australia "prior to having children".
"It is a matter of deep regret that the girls are involved in this process," Senator Abetz said.
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"We have a legal process in this country and that is what is being engaged at this time by both those seeking the family remaining in Australia and the Department that takes a differing view. It is important for the judicial and legal process to run its course."
He also disputed whether it was unsafe for the family to return to Sri Lanka.
The fate of the family is expected to be known within days as the minister reviews the case.
Senior cabinet minister David Littleproud is among the coalition MPs calling for a compassionate solution, along with Bass MHR Bridget Archer and the family's local MP.
Tasmanian Greens senator Peter Whish-Wilson said it was a deeply troubling situation.
"The whole situation reflects very poorly on our country," he said.
"It's the lack of compassion.
"The government's deliberate cruelty to send a message is very un-Christian."
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Adam Holmes
From Adelaide to south-west Victoria, Bendigo to Tasmania, I've provided in-depth stories in politics, environmental affairs, issues facing disadvantaged communities, legal affairs and much more. Contact me at adam.holmes@examiner.com.au or on Twitter at @adamholmes010
From Adelaide to south-west Victoria, Bendigo to Tasmania, I've provided in-depth stories in politics, environmental affairs, issues facing disadvantaged communities, legal affairs and much more. Contact me at adam.holmes@examiner.com.au or on Twitter at @adamholmes010
