Media Release

Test of people smuggling agreement will be whether it stops the boats

Wednesday 10th March 2010

The success of an any agreement on people smuggling with Indonesia announced by the Rudd Government will be judged on just one criteria – whether it stops the boats, according to Shadow Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Scott Morrison.

“International and regional cooperation will always be critical in the fight against people smuggling, but it is not a substitute for Kevin Rudd to avoid addressing his own domestic policy failings that have created a viable product for people smugglers to trade,” Mr Morrison said.

“While any agreement on people smuggling is welcome, the test will be whether it stops the boats. This is a judgement Kevin Rudd will be unable to avoid,” he said.

“Since Kevin Rudd started rolling back the Coalition’s strong border protection regime in August 2008, there have been 88 illegal boat arrivals carrying more than 4000 people.

“So far this year there have been 20 illegal boat arrivals carrying more than 1050 people, at a rate of more than 9 per month, 25% higher than the previous highest record in 1999.

“Any real discussion with Indonesia should begin with Kevin Rudd making a commitment to reverse his own policy failings that are acting as a magnet for people smuggling.

“Kevin Rudd must also develop some real resolve on this issue, rather than the phony posturing we typically see as a substitute for real action.

“A key example of action speaking louder than words was when the Rudd Government did their special deal for the 78 passengers on the Oceanic Viking. Since then 40 boats have arrived.

“Instead of blaming everyone else, the Prime Minister should follow the Coalition’s lead and implement policies that will actually stop the boats.

“This will be the true measure of success of any people smuggling agreement with Indonesia,” Mr Morrison said.