PM’s blunt warning

Boat people told border is closed: ‘Don’t risk life for nothing’

SCOTT Morrison has recorded a video message aimed directly at people smugglers considering coming to Australia by sea.

The two-minute video is expected to be translated into 15 languages and aired in 10 countries.

“Make no mistake, if you attempt to come to Australia illegally by boat, you will not succeed,” the Prime Minister says. “So do not waste your money or risk your life, or anyone else’s life, for nothing.”

The direct message comes after changes to medical evacuations for asylum seekers were legislated against the Government’s wishes.

Mr Morrison was accused of encouraging people smugglers to restart their trade by suggesting Australia’s borders were weakened as a result. Doctors have been given a greater say in medical transfers for sick asylum seekers on Manus Island and Nauru.

The Government is concerned about the narrowing of the immigration minister’s discretion to refuse transfers to serious criminals.

The legislative changes will only apply to people who are already in offshore detention; any future boat arrivals will not be affected. However, the Prime Minister has argued this “nuance” will be ignored by people smugglers.

Attorney-General Christian Porter said it was also “implausible” a future Labor government would not extend the laws to new arrivals.

“At the first conceivable opportunity Labor had to soften what have been very tough rules around who comes to Australia they took it,” he told the ABC yesterday. “There is some implausibility about the notion that they wouldn’t take that opportunity again if in government for a future cohort.” The attorney-general is not concerned that by trying to convince voters the Bill has weakened Australia’s borders, the Government may be sending the same message to people smugglers.