Security tightened for fresh arrivals
CANBERRA: National security agencies have blocked seven foreigners from entering Australia in less than three months because they were deemed “adverse security risks” to the community.
The Bulletin can also reveal there have been 13 people refused entry into Australia over the last 15 months as part of the Government removing the benefit of the doubt as part of a national security crackdown.
There are now 30 people in detention centres classed as adverse security risks to the community and thousands of illegal arrivals from the previous government who have not yet been processed.
Adverse security risks are people who are deemed by ASIO to pose a threat of sabotage, politically motivated violence, attacks on the nation’s defence system or serious threats in general to Australia.
Immigration and Border Protection Minister Peter Dutton yesterday confirmed no benefit of the doubt would be given in the wake of the Martin Place atrocity.
Sydney terrorist Man Haron Monis had been given the benefit of the doubt by all government agencies since he migrated to Australia.
Mr Dutton said the high number of people targeted by ASIO showed the potential threat to the community.
“We live in uncertain times and adverse security assessments demonstrate the need for a Government to control its borders,” Mr Dutton said.
The Abbott Government has conducted sweeping upgrades to border protection protocols at airports as part of its $630 million counter terrorism package.
Mr Dutton said the rising security risks of illegal arrivals showed the importance of stopping illegal boats coming to Australia.
Most of the 30,000 illegal arrivals who remain in Australia have unclear histories.
“That is a threat to our security that shouldn’t be taken lightly,” Mr Dutton said.
“It is part of the reason that the Government is so absolutely determined to make sure that we stop the boats and to make sure that at our airports and our sea ports, we provide whatever support we can to those counterterrorism unit officers, to officers within customs and border protection.”