Turnbull new bill wants to ban asylum seekers, refugees coming to Australia by boat

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull made it clear that the door to Australia is “closed” to those who seek to settle in the country through people-smuggling syndicates.

Turnbull urged Labor Leader Bill Shorten to back his proposal to ban refugee settlements should they arrive by boat, saying the legislation would be fairer to those who undergo the required visa application process. If approved, the law will only exempt asylum seekers and refugees under the age of 18.

“A generous humanitarian program, a harmonious multicultural society, depends on the Australian government being in control of its borders,” Turnbull said Sunday at a press conference.

“And it depends on us sending a united and concerted answer to the people smugglers, that if they seek to bring people to Australia, those passengers will never settle in this country.”

This morning in Sydney, Turnbull reiterated, “That absolutely unflinching, unequivocal message has to be loud and clear.”

Under Turnbull’s proposal, the ban will apply to all types of visa holders, including tourists and businessmen. Foreign minister Julie Bishop said the proposal is a strong message directed to people-smuggling syndicates who make money out of illegally bringing citizens of other countries in Australia.

“We are sending a strong message to those currently in Manus and Nauru, if they are found to be owed protection, they will not be resettled in Australia. If they’re not found to be owed protection, they should return home.

“This is a tough message we are sending to the people-smuggling syndicates and those who pay people smugglers to try and enter Australia.”

Since 2012, asylum seekers arriving in Australia by boat were sent to offshore processing centers in Nauru and Papua New Guinea’s Manus Island. If the proposed ban is approved, the policy will affect refugees who arrived since July 19, 2013.