@**meep** wrote:
Who was he referring to? The Asylum seekers or the crew members? People smuggling is illegal in Australia.
Based on the definition set out in the people smuggling protocol, people who have come to Australia without a valid visa have illegally entered the country. (From ABC Fact Check)
Who is Mr Abbott talking about?
Fact Check contacted the Prime Minister's office to clarify whether his comment related to asylum seekers or crew members. People smuggling is a criminal offence under Australian law.
No response was received by the time of publication. It is therefore necessary to take a look at the context of the remarks.
It is clear from the exchange during his press conference that Mr Abbott was referring to asylum seekers seeking to enter Australia by boat without a valid visa. He was asked about the ABC report, which referred only to allegations by asylum seekers.
PRIME MINISTER: Look, I think people making allegations should be able to produce some evidence. There is no evidence whatsoever to back them up.
QUESTION: The ABC claims they have - with that video and having spoken to them.
PRIME MINISTER: Well, as I said, who do you believe? Do you believe Australian naval personnel or do you believe people who are attempting to break Australian law? I trust Australia’s naval personnel.
