Australian Border Force investigate alleged boat arrival in northern WA

Australian Border Force is investigating an alleged boat arrival in a remote Aboriginal community in Western Australia.

The Australian Border Force has confirmed it is undertaking an operation in northern Western Australia following reports more than 20 people have arrived by boat.

“As this operation is ongoing, no further information will be provided,” the ABF said in a statement on Friday.

Residents of the indigenous community Beagle Bay, about 100km north of Broome, told the ABC the men, who were believed to be from Pakistan, were in the main street after they were found on a beach on Friday morning.

Beagle Bay is north of Broome in WA.

They were reportedly in good health, dressed in T-shirts and trousers, and were given water at the local store.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told reporters he had no information about it.

“I’ve been travelling in the car, so I haven’t been advised about that,” he said.

“But our policies are clear, which is that boats that arrive in that fashion ... we have policies in place that ensure they are dealt with.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was not able to confirm the media report. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

The ABF said the only way to travel to Australia was legally with a visa.

“Australia’s tough border protection policies means no one who travels unauthorised by boat will ever be allowed to settle permanently in Australia,” the statement read.

“Australia remains committed to protecting its borders, stamping out people smuggling and preventing vulnerable people from risking their lives on futile journeys.

“The people smuggling business model is built on the exploitation of information and selling lies to vulnerable people who will give up everything to risk their lives at sea.”

It comes after the landing of 12 people at the remote Truscott air base, 500km north east of Kununurra, in November 2023.

They were reportedly detained by the ABF, who refused to comment at the time due to operational matters.