Quick start for asylum plan as first boat arrives

TONY Abbott has flagged his intention to implement his border security policies quickly.

TONY Abbott has flagged his intention to implement his border security policies quickly, as Papua New Guinea indicated no change in its view of the resettlement deal and the first boat to arrive since the election was intercepted northwest of Darwin.

It is understood Mr Abbott discussed with senior public servants yesterday the implementation of Operation Sovereign Borders policy, the Coalition's military-led response to the influx of asylum boats.

Before a meeting with Ian Watt, the secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Mr Abbott identified the asylum issue as a priority for his government.

"Obviously, a very early item of business is scrapping the carbon tax," Mr Abbott said.

"There's border security, there's economic security and the people expect, quite rightly, that the incoming government will build a strong and prosperous economy for a safe and secure Australia."

Sovereign Borders calls for the appointment of a three-star military commander to report to incoming immigration minister Scott Morrison. One of the commander's first priorities will be to establish the protocols for Operation Relex II, the Coalition's boat turn-back policy.

Customs yesterday intercepted a suspected asylum-seeker boat carrying 88 passengers and two crew northwest of Darwin. Those on board will be taken to Christmas Island for health checks.

PNG Foreign Minister Rimbink Pato said yesterday the change of government in Australia would have no bearing on Labor's deal with Port Moresby.

"The deal we've done is the same deal. We could have done it with Liberal or with Labor. We are here to help and help the Australian people and the Australian government," Mr Pato told The Australian.

PNG Prime Minister Peter O'Neill said: "The deal was made with the Australian government, not with a political party, so I would expect the new government to respect that."

Mr Pato said he believed the arrangement was working.

"Many asylum-seekers are leaving for their countries of origin voluntarily," he said. "At least 28 were to have left last Friday for Iran, and three left before that."

Incoming immigration minister Scott Morrison has made it clear he harbours great concerns about the PNG deal.

ADDITIONAL REPORTING: AAP