GOVERNMENT SUFFERS HISTORIC DEFEAT IN PARLIAMENT
* "The people of Australia will remember this day and know that this is now on your head, leader of the opposition." - Prime Minister Scott Morrison angrily rebukes the refugee transfer bill
* "I believe we can keep our borders secure, we can uphold national security, but still treat people humanely." - Opposition Leader Bill Shorten
* "An important victory for sick refugees and asylum seekers in Australia's care. We can be tough on borders without being cruel to sick people who need medical care." - Deputy Labor leader Tanya Plibersek
* "People smugglers and their customers are the only winners from Labor's weakening of our border protection policies because ample medical treatment offshore and onshore was already available. Under Labor, it's get on a boat, get to Nauru, get sick and get to Australia." - former prime minister Tony Abbott
* "I am very happy that we see that after six years the Australian parliament finally made the decision for humanity and I am super happy for the sick refugees." - Iranian asylum seeker and journalist Behrouz Boochani
* "Labor just teamed up with the Greens and others to start unpicking our successful border protection laws. Labor has learned nothing from their border failures. Australians face a clear choice at the next election." - Liberal frontbencher Steve Ciobo
* "Most Australians have lost confidence in the Australian government ... I do think this shows clearly that the government has lost control of the legislative agenda." - Greens senator Nick McKim
