Apr2015_DICKSON NEWS

18 months of Operation Sovereign Borders

Last month we commemorated the 18 month anniversary of Operation Sovereign Borders, the Coalition Government’s solution to saving lives at sea and stopping the boats.

The Coalition Government’s commitment, and my commitment as Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, to tough border protection measures has reaped benefits for Australia, our regional partners, and genuine refugees.

Eighteen months ago, Labor and the Greens said the boats couldn’t be stopped. Operation Sovereign Borders has proved them wrong.

In the last 18 months of the Labor Government 534 illegal entry vessels carrying over 35,000 illegal maritime arrivals entered Australian waters. Since the implementation of turn-backs in December 2013, only one people smuggling venture has arrived in Australia – all others have failed. Those on that one boat also ultimately failed, as they were transferred for processing to the country of Nauru. Those who arrive illegally will never be settled in Australia.

Most importantly, there have been no known deaths at sea by anyone trying to reach Australia for the past 15 months.

In addition to saving lives, the success of Operation Sovereign Borders has allowed the Government to deliver more places in our humanitarian and refugee programme, assisting vulnerable refugees whose situation makes them an unattractive business prospect for people smugglers.

Getting children out of detention and into the community is a priority for the Coalition Government. Stopping the boats has also allowed our overflowing detention centres to empty and has seen the number of children in immigration detention decline from 1342 when Labor left office to just 115 today. 

It’s been a successful 18 months, but people seeking to come to Australia illegally should not be under any illusion. The Government will continue to implement tough measures to protect our borders and is committed to ending the criminal activity of people smuggling. The illegal way to Australia is closed.

National Youth Week 10-19 April

National Youth Week is an Australian Government initiative celebrating the talent, achievements and contributions of young Australians. It is an opportunity for young people from around Australia to get involved and to share ideas, attend live events and have their voices heard. The theme for 2015 is ‘Our Voice. Our Impact.’  You can find out more about National Youth Week at youthweek.com.

Australian Heritage Week 11-19 April

Australian Heritage Week is an annual national celebration of Australia’s heritage. It is an opportunity for all Australians to join together to celebrate our shared history. Communities are encouraged to get involved with planning and hosting a range of exciting activities to showcase their unique local heritage. You can find out more about Australian Heritage Week at heritage-week.govspace.gov.au .

National Champions – Pine Rivers Wombat Warriors 4×4

Pine Rivers State High School’s Wombat Warriors have been crowned Australia’s inaugural Land Rover 4×4 in Schools Technology Challenge champions.

Taj and Beau Gieskens, Hanna Baptista, Indi Harris and Team Manager Lily Eiseman blitzed the field, taking out four of the five categories in the competition.  Their extraordinary project work was able to tackle any challenge thrown at them.

The team will, in the coming months, go on to compete for Australia at the World Championships in the United Kingdom.  I wish them all the best in their quest to win for Australia.

Marquee Hire

I have a 6 x 9m marquee available for community organisations to hire, free of charge. 

If you are interested in hiring the marquee for your community event please contact my office on 3205 9977 or email peter.dutton.mp@aph.gov.au