Anthony Albanese has denied he’s tender on borders after it was revealed a “surge” in navy ships and surveillance plane was deployed to Australia’s north.
Vice Admiral David Johnson informed senate estimates earlier this week the Defence Force had been offering the help on the request of Operation Sovereign Borders for the previous couple of weeks.
“It is of the nature of additional aircraft surveillance and additional ships that are patrolling in our northern waters,” he stated.
In query time on Thursday, the opposition seized on the revelations and claimed they had been linked to the federal government’s choice to grant asylum seekers extra visa rights.
“Doesn’t this prove that Labor’s policies to end the deterrent of temporary protection visas provides an incentive to people smugglers to restart their evil trade?” opposition residence affairs spokesperson Karen Andrews put to Mr Albanese.
The Prime Minister hit again, telling the home he was delivering on an election dedication, which was one thing the Coalition wasn’t accustomed to.
“The government will be tough on borders without being weak on humanity,” the Prime Minister responded.
“It might seem obscure to those opposite; the idea of a government implementing the policies that they took to an election, but that is precisely what we are doing.”
The authorities this week introduced 19,000 momentary safety or secure haven visa holders who entered Australia previous to when OSB started in 2013 can be eligible to use for everlasting residency.
The Department of Home Affairs confirmed it didn’t advise in opposition to the modifications when requested throughout senate estimates.
Earlier, Ms Andrews accused Minister for Home Affairs Clare O’Neil of being lacking in motion.
“The government was warned about the impacts of changes to the policy but they have gone ahead and they have made changes, which have left us vulnerable here in Australia.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
