‘Unworkable’ Nauru change would allow criminals into Australia, says Dutton

Allowing asylum seekers to be evacuated from Nauru on the advice of two doctors would let criminals into Australia, says Peter Dutton

Legal advice to the government shows the medical evacuation of sick adults from Nauru would allow criminals into Australia, Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton says.

Amendments which would allow the medical evacuation of asylum seekers on the advice of two doctors have sparked a pre-election debate on border protection, and differing views on the powers of the government to stop criminals entering Australia.

“The advice is very clear. I don’t know whether Labor have any legal advice or whether they seek to release that legal advice,” the Home Affairs Minister told Sky News.

“The advice to me is clear, that the Minister doesn’t have the ultimate say.

“And in many circumstances, you could have people with questionable backgrounds, people that have been charged, even people who have been investigated, for serious sexual assault matters … who could come if they had a medical reason under Labor’s proposal.”

Labor has argued it would have broad powers to veto the evacuation of asylum seekers for national security reasons under amendments crafted by crossbench MPs.

But ASIO advice reported in The Daily Telegraph today says the definition of security in the ASIO Act is limited to threats such as espionage, foreign interference, sabotage and politically motivated violence including terrorism.

Mr Dutton said the framework set up by independent MP Kerryn Phelps is “unworkable” and that asylum seekers already receive medical treatment on Nauru and third countries like Taiwan.

He also questioned Labor’s commitment to boat turnbacks ahead of a fiery debate between the Labor Left and Right at the ALP National Conference next week over border policy.

“Tanya Plibersek sits around the national security cabinet in a Labor government,” he said.

“Do you think she has the ability to turn back boats where it is safe to do so? I doubt it very much.

“People smugglers would be rubbing their hands together.”