Protecting our borders (Liberals)

The Coalition has stopped the boats. We have restored the integrity of Australia’s borders and have stopped the deaths at sea. The Coalition removed all children who arrived by boat from detention in Australia. In contrast, Labor detained more than 8,500 children over six years. Stopping the boats has also enabled the Government to close 17 detention centres saving the Budget $3 billion. The Coalition has re-introduced Temporary Protection Visas, commenced processing Labor’s legacy caseload of more than 30,000 illegal maritime arrivals and will continue to return those found not to be owed protection and those that commit serious crimes. The Coalition has also restored integrity to the Refugee and Humanitarian Programme. According to UNHCR data, Australia is one of the three most generous nations when it comes to permanently resettling refugees. This year 13,750 places will be made available for resettlement in Australia rising to 18,750 in 2018/19. Once again these places are going to those most in need around the world, not people arriving by boat. Stopping the boats also enabled Australia to take an additional 12,000 refugees from the conflicts in Syria and Iraq. The first of these refugees have arrived and they are starting new lives in Australia. The Government continues to ensure that all visa grants are subject to strict security and other checks. The Government has also established the Australian Border Force – streamlining and integrating agencies to better protect the nation’s borders and keep Australia safe and secure. The Australian Border Force is partnering with the Australian Federal Police to combat border related crime, catch dangerous drugs like Ice at the border and target national security threats with dedicated Counter Terrorism Units at Australia’s major airports. The Coalition will always be resolute in protecting our borders and we will stick to the policies that work. LABOR’S RECORD In 2008 Labor unpicked the successful border protection policies of the Howard Government. As a result, over 800 boats carrying more than 50,000 illegal arrivals flooded into Australia. At least 1,200 people lost their lives at sea. Failed border polices also led to an $11 billion budget blow-out. Australia must never return to this chaos and tragedy