The Times Australia
The Times World News

.
The Times Real Estate

.

Boat arrivals land on remote Western Australian coast

  • Written by Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

Australian Border Force officials are investigating the arrival of a group of more than 20 men by boat near the remote community of Beagle Bay in northern Western Australia.

The ABC reported that the men, believed to be from Pakistan, had said they had travelled from Indonesia.

The ABF said in a statement it was “undertaking an operation in the northwest of Western Australia.”

But it said as the operation was “ongoing, no further information will be provided”.

Beagle Bay is an Indigenous community about 100 kilometres north of Broome with a population of about 300 people.

The ABC, who had a reporter at Beagle Bay, said one of the man said the group had arrived after a five-day voyage. They had been picked up by locals after walking for some distance. They were pictured sitting in the shade.

One man told the ABC[1] he had previously lived in Australia, from where he had been deported. He alleged he had been tortured when he returned to Pakistan.

The Australian government’s policy is to send people who arrive by boat to Nauru, where it has maintained a facility.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he did not know of the incident, when he was asked at his news conference. “I’ve been travelling in the car, so I haven’t been advised about that.”

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

Opposition leader Peter Dutton jumped on the incident. “Clearly there’s been a catastrophic failure in the system here because this boat has arrived undetected,” he said. “If the Prime Minister doesn’t know anything about it and the minister doesn’t know anything about it, then it demonstrates that this government has lost control of our borders.”

“The government hasn’t taken border protection seriously. The Prime Minister never believed in border protection,” Dutton said.

Shadow defence minister Andrew Hastie said this was “second reported arrival on Australia’s coastline in less than four months”.

“The prime minister’s poor excuse for his inability to take a briefing on a serious breach of our borders, was being in a car. Did he, or his staff, not have a phone between them? He remained unaware of the illegal arrival until media reports made the news public,” Hastie said.

The Border Force statement[2] reiterated: “Australia’s tough border protection policies means no one who travels unauthorised by boat will ever be allowed to settle permanently in Australia.

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

The boat arrival comes at the end of a difficult week for the government on the issue of illegal immigrants. Immigration Minister Andrew Giles has faced a barrage of questions in parliament over the government’s handling of the immigration detainees it released late last year after a High Court judgement that they couldn’t be held indefinitely.

References

  1. ^ the ABC (www.abc.net.au)
  2. ^ The Border Force statement (www.abf.gov.au)

Read more https://theconversation.com/boat-arrivals-land-on-remote-western-australian-coast-223737

The Times Features

Itinerary to Maximize Your Two-Week Adventure in Vietnam and Cambodia

Two weeks may not seem like much, but it’s just the right time for travelers to explore the best of Vietnam and Cambodia. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the magnificent te...

How to Protect Your Garden Trees from Wind Damage in Australia

In Australia's expansive landscape, garden trees hold noteworthy significance. They not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of our homes but also play an integral role in the local...

Brisbane Homeowners Warned: Non-Compliant Flexible Hoses Pose High Flood Risk

As a homeowner in Brisbane, when you think of the potential for flood damage to your home, you probably think of weather events. But you should know that there may be a tickin...

Argan Oil-Infused Moroccanoil Shampoo: Nourish and Revitalize Your Hair

Are you ready to transform your hair from dull and lifeless to vibrant and full of life? Look no further than the luxurious embrace of Argan Oil-Infused Moroccanoil Shampoo! In a...

Building A Strong Foundation For Any Structure

Building a home or commercial building can be very exciting. The possibilities are endless and the future is interesting. You can always change aspects of the building to meet the ...

The Role of a Family Dentist: Why Every Household Needs One

source A family dentist isn’t like your regular dentist who may specialise in a particular age group and whom you visit only when something goes wrong. A family dentist takes proa...

Times Magazine

"Eternal Nurture" by Cara Barilla: A Timeless Collection of Wisdom and Healing

Renowned Sydney-born author and educator Cara Barilla has released her latest book, Eternal Nurture, a profound collection of inspirational quotes designed to support mindfulness, emotional healing, and personal growth. With a deep commitment to ...

How AI-Driven SEO Enhancements Can Improve Headless CMS Content Visibility

Whereas SEO (search engine optimization) is critical in the digital landscape for making connections to content, much of it is still done manually keyword research, metatags, final tweaks at publication requiring a human element that takes extensiv...

Crypto Expert John Fenga Reveals How Blockchain is Revolutionising Charity

One of the most persistent challenges in the charity sector is trust. Donors often wonder whether their contributions are being used effectively or if overhead costs consume a significant portion. Traditional fundraising methods can be opaque, with...

Navigating Parenting Arrangements in Australia: A Legal Guide for Parents

Understanding Parenting Arrangements in Australia. Child custody disputes are often one of the most emotionally charged aspects of separation or divorce. Parents naturally want what is best for their children, but the legal process of determining ...

Blocky Adventures: A Minecraft Movie Celebration for Your Wrist

The Minecraft movie is almost here—and it’s time to get excited! With the film set to hit theaters on April 4, 2025, fans have a brand-new reason to celebrate. To honor the upcoming blockbuster, watchfaces.co has released a special Minecraft-inspir...

The Ultimate Guide to Apple Watch Faces & Trending Wallpapers

In today’s digital world, personalization is everything. Your smartwatch isn’t just a timepiece—it’s an extension of your style. Thanks to innovative third-party developers, customizing your Apple Watch has reached new heights with stunning designs...

LayBy Shopping