FED:Abbott's tough talk an 'election stunt'

AAP General News (Australia)
08-08-2010
FED:Abbott's tough talk an 'election stunt'

CANBERRA, Aug 8 AAP - The man charged with protecting Australia's borders says a coalition
pledge to introduce tougher penalties for convicted people smugglers is nothing more than
an election stunt.

Home Affairs Minister Brendan O'Connor says Labor itself toughened the relevant laws
three months ago.

"At that time, (Opposition Leader) Tony Abbott had the chance to make amendments, but
he didn't," he said in a statement.

"If Tony Abbott was serious about stopping people smuggling and really wanted these
few small changes he might have had that by now.

"But the truth is, he's not serious - it's just another stunt."

Mr Abbott on Sunday announced that repeat offenders would face a minimum 10-year prison
sentence under a coalition government.

In addition, existing minimum and non-parole periods will be increased for those convicted
of "aggravated" people smuggling, as well as those convicted of crimes involving the preparation
and or provision of false documents.

AAP jcd/rl/jfm

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