http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=Send_Sri_Lankans_home_says_opposition_20121106_03

Send Sri Lankans home, says opposition

The federal government should charter another plane immediately to send back the dozens of Sri Lankan asylum seekers arriving on Australian shores, according to opposition immigration minister Scott Morrison.

Customs intercepted three asylum seeker boats carrying a total of 58 people on Monday, following the arrival of five boats carrying more than 300 people over the weekend.

Speaking in Perth, Mr Morrison said Australia was still a "sure bet" for asylum seekers - with the Gillard government a magnet for people smugglers.

"The arrival of ten boats in the last five days to start November proves that once again the Gillard government is a sure bet for people smugglers," Mr Morrison said.

"There is a stain on this government and it is the stain of failure to protect its borders. This government now has a pull factor for people smugglers.

"Quite a number of those that have been intercepted yesterday have come from Sri Lanka. The government on the weekend were hailing a new policy of fly backs - so there should be a plane leaving today for Sri Lanka.

"If that is not the case then the latest announcement from the government is just another ruse, instead of restoring the proven policies of the Howard government."

Late last week, a group of 26 Sri Lankan men were sent home from Christmas Island after being found not to have legitimate asylum claims.

Immigration Minister Chris Bowen also confirmed the final member of a group of 15 Sri Lankans involved in allegedly hijacking a boat in Sri Lankan waters had also gone home.

Mr Morrison said the government needed to keep chartering flights to keep sending a message.

"The minister himself has said he believes those coming for Sri Lanka are economic refugees," Mr Morrison said.

"He is the one saying he can fly them straight back, but one flight does not make a policy.

"We will only know if this is a serious policy if we see the planes going back to Sri Lanka as frequently as the boats from Sri Lanka come to Australia.

"As every single boat arrives, the odds only improve for the people smugglers. The odds only improve for those who may get sent to Nauru ending up in Australia."

Courtesy : Brisbane Times