Australia says border protection measures remain in force

Saturday, 6 February 2016 03:23 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Australian Government yesterday said its tough border protection measures to stop illegal people smuggling and ensure the sovereignty of Australia’s borders remain in full force.

The decision by the High Court of Australia means that regional processing continues – this is a key element of Operation Sovereign Borders policy.

The Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Peter Dutton said Australia remains resolute in its commitment to counter people smuggling and prevent people risking their life at sea.

“Australia has removed more than 20 boats from our waters over the past two years and our policy to turn back people smuggling boats to their country of departure will continue,” Dutton said. “The Government also remains committed to regional processing which, beyond our comprehensive on-water measures, provides a further deterrent to people who might otherwise attempt to travel illegally by boat to Australia.

“My message is that there are only two outcomes for people who travel illegally by boat to Australia: they will be intercepted and turned back from Australian waters or they will be sent to another country for processing. “Processing and resettlement in Australia will never be an option and there are no exceptions; these rules apply to everyone.” People who seek to use a people smuggler to get to Australia risk losing everything, including their lives and the lives of family members.