Opposition Immigration spokesman Scott Morrison has confirmed a Coalition government would impose behaviour protocols for asylum seekers on bridging visas.
Mr Morrison flagged the controversial idea earlier this year after a Sri Lankan asylum seeker was charged with the indecent assault of a Macquarie University student in Sydney.
More than 50 asylum seekers on bridging visas were being housed on the university campus, sparking the Opposition’s calls for stricter rules.
Under the Coalition’s plan, asylum seekers would be subject to strict protocols and police and residents would be notified when they moved into their communities.
Senior Coalition MPs have not publicly endorsed the plan, but when asked to clarify its status – and whether it had been discussed in shadow cabinet – Mr Morrison told the ABC: “It’s our policy.”
The Government, the Greens and refugee advocates have slammed the policy as extreme and unacceptable.
Refugee advocates say it would treat asylum seekers in a similar way to convicted paedophiles and could run the risk of creating a vigilante mentality among some members of the public.
The policy has also faced internal criticism from Liberal backbencher Russell Broadbent, who earlier this month accused his own party of “vilifying” those who have sought Australia’s protection.
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Yesterday, two asylum seekers drowned after their boat capsized just north of Christmas Island with 95 people on board, while a boat carrying 105 asylum seekers was picked up by HMAS Bundaberg after its engine failed.
On Sunday Customs officers stopped another boat with 128 people on board north of Christmas Island.
Another boat carrying four passengers and two crew was also intercepted south-east of the Ashmore Islands on Sunday.
A total of 54 boats have been intercepted in Australian waters so far this year.
