Brendan O'Connor (Gorton, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Home Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

We need to target the organised syndicates in the region that are seeking to exploit desperate people and to entice them onto, in many cases, unseaworthy vessels on perilous journeys. That is why our target will always be focusing on the criminal elements in this scurrilous trade.

In relation to the opposition’s stance, we are still awaiting their policy. We understand they have a different view. We understand they are willing to play politics with this sensitive matter. We understand all of that, but ultimately they will be judged on what policies they have. All they have done in this parliamentary term is agree to the changes that the government put forward in relation to this matter. Since then they have done nothing to precisely outline what they would do as an alternative government in dealing with this issue.

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