Business as usual in 2012

03/01/12

The first two illegal arrivals of the new year highlight that it is business as usual for people smugglers under Labor’s self induced border protection crisis, Acting Shadow Minister for Immigration and Citizenship and Shadow Minister for Justice, Customs and Border Protection, Michael Keenan said today.

“Julia Gillard’s first priority for 2012 should be to repair the damage that the Labor Party has done since coming to office, to Australia’s system of border protection.

“Abolishing offshore processing, scraping temporary protection visas and refusing to implement their policy of turning boats around has reinvigorated people smuggling and resulted in a policy catastrophe for Australia.

“We can only expect to see the people smugglers commanding position over our borders continue to strengthen unless the Labor Party implements the Coalition’s proven policy prescription.

“Despite a large number of Australians enjoying the break over the new year period, let us spare a thought for the men and women of Australia’s border protection command who continue to mop up Labor’s mess.

“Australians are fed up with Labor’s dismal record on border security and lack of willingness to make the tough decisions – only a Coalition government will bring order back to our borders,” Mr Keenan concluded.