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November 23, 2023
The Coalition has accused Labor of failing on border security following reports of a boat filled with asylum-seekers arriving in northern Western Australia.
The group of 12 people arrived about 36km west of the remote Aboriginal community of Kalumburu along the Kimberley coastline, and is with police, according to The Australian.
Opposition home affairs spokesman James Paterson said reports of the illegal maritime arrival was a “further sign” Labor’s border security measures were failing.
“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.
“Under Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil and Labor, Australia’s border security is getting worse every month.”
Mr Paterson said the arrival was the “predictable result” of Labor “dismantling” key pillars of Operation Soverign Borders and “ripping $600 million from border security” in the latest federal budget.
He said this had left Australian Border Force “stretched”.
“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 which the government failed to anticipate or plan for,” he said.
“Now we have reports of illegal arrivals at Australia’s shores.
“Labor and Minister O’Neil are failing in their duty to protect Australia’s borders and keep Australians safe.”
Mr Paterson demanded Ms O’Neil “front the media” and disclose what she knew about the reports of the boat arrival.
Labor has continued a policy previously followed by the Coalition when in government of not commenting on operational matters, including illegal boat arrivals.
After coming to office the Albanese Government abolished temporary protection visas, but otherwise kept the core pillars of Operation Sovereign Borders.
These include offshore detention, boat turnbacks, and takebacks, where Australia sends asylum seekers back by plane or through an at-sea transfer.
During Senate Estimates last month Border Force officials confirmed 11 asylum-seekers were sent to Nauru in September, marking the first transfer to the immigration detention facility on the island in nine years.
