Border policy better under Coalition, Morrison said

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Created on Monday, 10 December 2012 15:49

Written by Editorial staff

Shadow immigration minister Scott Morrison said an Abbott government will be able to provide a much more comprehensive solution towards border policy.

Speaking to Australian Agenda on Sky News, the opposition spokesperson said that while the current government has adopted offshore processing as part of its border protection policy, a Coalition plan would be a much more broader and effective solution.

He commented: "The issues that remain are temporary protection visas. The issues that remain are turning boats back where it's safe to do so.

"The issue that remains is a single-minded focus on deterrents within the region rather than the regional processing of people which is dragging people into the region in Indonesia and Malaysia which we don't support that sort of approach in the region and the differences resolve."

Recently returning from a visit to the processing centre on Nauru - Mr Morrison said that conditions on the island aren't ideal based on the fact there isn't a permanent facility available and as a result, even Australian personnel are living in tents.

The shadow minister added that the government has a problem with arrivals because it has released more people into the community on bridging visas. Based on overcrowding, it's become necessary to ease the burden of detention centres in Australia and offshore.

He added that this is sending a bad message to people smugglers who are now claiming to their passengers that they will most likely avoid incarceration and be allowed access to the Australian community.

The Coalition claims that Temporary Protection Visas are the key to curbing the influx, in addition to turning the boats back. It says that by offering up this form of immigration visa, which takes away the incentive for an asylum seeker to make that journey, it will be a catalyst for change.

The shadow minister for justice, customs and border protection Michael Keenan said that this government is failing its own people and those who really need Australia's protection, with only a drastic policy change making things right.

He stated: "With Border Protection Command so overworked and under resourced the Government must find a solution to this crisis of their own making.

"The Coalition has the policies to introduce the tough border protection regime that is required to put an end to this insidious trade."