RUDD HAS OPENED THE DOORS TO PEOPLE SMUGGLERS

15-October-2009

Sophie Mirabella MP, Federal Member for Indi has today accused the Rudd Government of opening the doors to people smugglers.

“We have seen almost 2000 unauthorised arrivals in 41 boats arrive in Australian waters since Rudd’s Labor Government unravelled our strong border protection measures in August 2008.”

“The message sent by the Rudd Government to people smugglers is clear, our borders are open,” said Mrs Mirabella.

“In mismanaging immigration policy the Rudd Labor Government has allowed people smugglers to take control of our borders.  Rudd is playing a dangerous game in allowing these criminals to decide, based on their own financial gain, who can risk their lives to attempt the crossing into Australian waters.”

“This situation is out of control.  It is grossly unfair and unjust to those people seeking asylum through the correct channels.”  

“This influx of people means that the Immigration Department has its hands full trying to process these people, meaning that people who have applied for citizenship through the correct channels have to wait.  It is quite distressing for people who have done the right thing and have complied with Australia’s citizenship requirements but are being told to wait,” Mrs Mirabella said.

 “I, along with my Coalition colleagues urge the Rudd Government to respond to the border security crisis we are experiencing, as a matter of urgency.”

Mrs Mirabella concluded, “Our Government must ensure people seeking asylum do indeed receive it, it is unacceptable that people smugglers are deciding this.  The Rudd Labor Government needs to step up and take control of Australian immigration policy, and border security.”