Dutton blames Bill Shorten for rise in people smuggling
New Zealand’s offer to resettle 150 of Australia’s refugees has led to a rise in the planning of people smuggling operations.
The fear is that it will encourage refugees to come to Australia via New Zealand.
Minister for Home Affairs Peter Dutton tells Ben Fordham New Zealand is the only country in the world where people can obtain a visa upon arrival into Australia.
He points out once refugees obtain New Zealand citizenship, they can easily hop over to Australia.
The Minister is blaming Labor leader Bill Shorten after his support of New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Arden’s resettlement plan, saying it’s given the smugglers a reason to sell again.
“The fact that we’ve stopped boats now for three years doesn’t mean the problems gone away.
“It’s just a business line for them, and if they think the Australian Government has gone soft… they’ll grab it with both hands.
“This is a reason people shouldn’t vote for Bill Shorten at the next election.”
On the on-going gang crime in Victoria, Minister Dutton says it needs to stop.
“There are countless examples of people that’ve suffered at the hands of these thugs.”
Listen to the full interview below