THE HON. PHILIP RUDDOCK, ATTORNEY GENERAL

In which our hearts swell with pride

Mr Ruddock, thanks for joining us.

Good evening. It’s very good to be with you.

I see in the paper that you’ve been in Parliament for almost thirty years?

Yes, that’s right. Obviously, I’ve been home a couple of times in the interim, Bryan, but, broadly speaking, yes.

There have been a few anniversaries just recently, haven’t there?It’s been about two years since the Norwegian ship the Tampa…

Yes, that’s right. That’s an interesting coincidence. Quite true, Bryan.

Australia’s position on this was widely criticised, wasn’t it?

Only internationally, Bryan.

No, there’s been criticism inside Australia as well, hasn’t there?

Well, again, only on matters of substance.

And morally.

I beg your pardon?

And morally.

No, you’re dropping out. I’m not getting your question there, Bryan.

Can we discuss this difficulty you’ve got with the court judgment the other day?

Yes, this is the one in the Family Court?

Yes.

Look, Bryan, the thing you’ve got to understand about judges—and let me be very clear about this—they’re not elected at all.

That’s right. This is the separation of powers, isn’t it?

My point is that judges are spared more or less entirely the business of going about the place and saying things to people that they think will fool people into voting for them.

That’s right. They’re dealing with the law.

They have absolutely no idea about the process of government whatsoever.

No, Mr Ruddock. They do understand the role of government. In fact, in this case they’re saying what the government did was illegal.

We’ll be appealing.

Really? Are you sure?

I’m absolutely positive.

When do you think you’ll be appealing?

We’ll be talking to our legal people about when and where we do it.

I see, I beg your pardon. I’m sorry. I misunderstood what you meant by ‘appealing’.

I expect to win that appeal too, Bryan.

Mr Ruddock, how do you feel when you see the first of the Tampa refugees being granted asylum in Australia and beginning to settle in?

(Off.) Can I have a glass of water, please?

Can we get Mr Ruddock a glass of water? Have you spoken to Mr Howard about this?

(Off.) Just a glass of water, thanks.

You must be very pleased. You’ve managed to process a whole twentyfour refugees in two years. That would be a world record, wouldn’t it, Mr Ruddock?

(Off.) It doesn’t matter about the size of the glass. I’m just a bit dry in the throat.

(Off.) I don’t think he’s taking any notice.

(Off.) Just a simple glass of water.

I think we’d better leave it there. I don’t think we can continue with the interview, Mr Ruddock.

Are we finished?

Yes.

(Off.) And a glass of champagne, please—have you got a jeroboam?