[Greens-Media] Abbott Government broken people smuggling laws? AFP must investigate

Schultz-Byard, Noah (Sen S. Hanson-Young) Noah.Schultz-Byard at aph.gov.au
Wed May 7 13:09:06 EST 2014


MEDIA RELEASE

Wednesday, 7 May 2014

Abbott Government broken people smuggling laws? AFP must investigate

The Australian Greens will write to the Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police, Tony Negus, urging the agency to investigate the possibility of illegal activities being undertaken as a part of the Abbott Government's Operation Sovereign Borders.

"These latest allegations are very serious and may represent a breach of Australian domestic law. They must be investigated," the Greens' immigration spokesperson, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said today.

"Transferring people who were in Australia's jurisdiction to a boat bound for Indonesia is legally questionable.

"The Abbott Government's reckless behaviour has brought into question its compliance with section 73 of the Criminal Code Act.

"Under Australian law, the maximum penalty for a conviction of people smuggling is 10 years in prison.

"The simple fact of the matter is that the Australian Government wouldn't be in this position if it wasn't so obsessed with punishing refugees.

"These dangerous and illegal tow-backs are damaging the relationship with Indonesia and putting Australian service men and women at risk."


Media Contact: Noah Schultz-Byard 0427 604 760


NOAH SCHULTZ-BYARD  STRATEGY AND COMMUNICATIONS ADVISER

OFFICE OF SENATOR SARAH HANSON-YOUNG
AUSTRALIAN GREENS SENATOR FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA
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