The Hon Peter Dutton MP
Minister for Immigration and Border Protection
Media Release
25 September 2015
OSB Policy stands strong
The Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Peter Dutton today reaffirmed that the Operation Sovereign Borders policy has not changed or softened against the backdrop of our humanitarian response to the Syrian crisis or the change in Prime Minister.
"People smugglers will always grasp on to any change in an attempt to exploit vulnerable people, but as the Prime Minister stated this week, we will not tolerate people smuggling and our policy, while tough, must continue," Mr Dutton said.
"We remain as committed as ever to implementing tough policies that stop vulnerable people being exploited by criminals, prevent further loss of life at sea and ultimately keep people smugglers out of business.
"It remains Australia's policy to safely turn back boats or send people to another country for processing and resettlement – regardless of where they are from.
"People who attempt to travel illegally by boat to Australia will never settle in Australia and there will be no resettlement of the people on Manus and Nauru in Australia.
"The Government will continue to implement tough measures to protect our borders because it's very clear that they work.
"I have a very clear message for anyone considering joining an illegal boat venture to Australia – our policy has not, and will not change. The rules apply to everyone, there are no exceptions. The way to Australia by boat remains closed.
Click here for Thai version