November 30, 2023
A group of asylum seekers trekked through the treacherous Kimberley terrain for two days in 35C heat before arriving at a remote airport, after managing to land on the Kimberley coast via boat - undetected by Australian authorities.
It is understood the boat from Indonesia carrying a dozen men, believed to be asylum seekers, arrived undetected on Tuesday off the Kimberley coast in WA's north.
The group walked through the harsh bushland amid soaring temperatures and a group of eight first arrived at a remote airport on Wednesday.
It is understood the eight men first arrived at the Truscott North Kimberley Airport, about 300km north west of Kununurra and operated by Wunambal Gaambera traditional owners, early Wednesday morning.
The group told staff at the airfield there were another four men who had arrived with them via boat two days ago but they were separated during their journey through the rugged Kimberley landscape. The four arrived at the base a short time later.
A medic at the airbase is believed to have checked over all 12 men before they were given food, water and shelter.
The Australian Border Force has not confirmed any illegal maritime arrivals at this stage, however it's understood WA Police are currently with the rescued group and Home Affairs staff were set to arrive at Truscott on Thursday.
Shadow home affairs minister James Paterson said reports of illegal maritime activity off WA was a "further sign that Labor has failed on border security".
"If confirmed, this would be the 10th people smuggling venture to attempt to arrive illegally in Australia since May 2022, and reports that they successfully reached the Australian coast are particularly alarming," he said.
Mr Paterson said Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil was "failing
... to protect Australia's borders and keep Australians safe".
It comes after a High Court decision blindsided the Federal Government on November 8, forcing them to release at least 100 indefinite detainees in immigration detention.
The landmark ruling saw 27 detainees released from WA's Yongah Hill Detention Centre, with more likely to follow suit.
"This comes at the same time as Labor botched the management of the release of up to 93 detainees including dangerous convicted criminals into the community following a foreseeable decision from the High Court," Mr Paterson said.
"The Minister must immediately front the media and share with the public what the Government knows about these reports." WA Police directed questions to the ABF. However, an ABF spokesperson said it "does not comment on operational matters".
