O'Connor to seek diplomatic assistance on boat revelation

Details

Created on Thursday, 21 February 2013 14:29

Written by Editorial staff

Immigration minister Brendan O'Connor said he will speak to his Malaysian counterpart about boat arrivals, following a bleak newspaper story.

It has been revealed that a number of asylum seekers were thrown overboard, after a boat was found off the coast of Sri Lanka this week

As a result of drifting without food, 98 Burmese refugees perished as they were thrown overboard by their shipmates, the Daily Telegraph reported.

The Sri Lankan army released photos detailing how those who didn't drown were found with severe dehydration and malnutrition, as a result of being at sea for two months - and without food for three weeks.

Mr O'Connor laid blame on a number of factors, including the shadow minister, Scott Morrison, but made clear his intentions to contact his counterparts in Malaysia and Sri Lanka.

Mr Morrison expressed concern that the government can't be expected to strike a deal with Malaysia, given that they could not secure guarantees for an Australian senator.

Senator Nick Xenophon from South Australia was deported from the Asian nation this week.

The shadow spokesperson said that it is not surprising Labor did away with its Malaysian swap deal, as they were not able to secure legally binding protections, which the Houston Panel demanded in its recommendations.

But the minister for immigration said that he has no simple solution to abate the number of attempts made by illegal foreigners.

Mr O'Connor admitted to News Limited that it never appears to be over.

He explained: "People floating around, people emaciated and 100 people might have perished. It just has to end.

"It was nowhere near (Australia), I am advised it (the boat) was on its way here. A lot of people are just disappearing, out of sight, out of mind. Boats disappearing - it is very hard to put a number on it. Too many."

The government will continue to implement the full draft of recommendations made by the Houston panel, Mr O'Connor added – a panel which was convened after a number of deaths at sea last year.

Shadow minister for justice, customs and border protection Michael Keenan said that 13,000 people have already illegally arrived by boat this year – with no immigration visas or documentation.

"Until there is a change in government, the people smugglers will continue to run Australia's borders and our immigration system," Mr Keenan said.