[Greens-Media] Coalition must dump Indonesian boat-buy policy to smooth relations

[Schultz-Byard, Noah (Sen S. Hanson-Young)]

MEDIA RELEASE
Wednesday, 20 November 2013
Coalition must dump Indonesian boat-buy policy to smooth relations
The Australian Government should dump its failed policy of buying Indonesian fishing boats in an effort to help repair the frayed relationship between the two countries, the Australian Greens have said today.
"Tony Abbott never really planned to buy the boats, but now that the ridiculous plan is hurting relations with our neighbours he should officially dump the policy," the Greens immigration spokesperson, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.
"Scott Morrison and Tony Abbott refused to tell the Parliament and the Australian people about their harebrained scheme when asked in the past but yesterday the truth was revealed.
"The head of Operation Secret Boats, Lieutenant Angus Campbell, couldn't dodge the questions anymore and told a Senate estimates committee that not a single boat has been bought.
"The Prime Minister has two options; dump the policy and help the relationship with our neighbour or continue to pretend that he will buy around 750,000 Indonesian fishing boats. I hope he chooses wisely, though previous form has me worried."

Media Contact: Noah Schultz-Byard 0427 604 760