A group of five offshore arrivals has been rescued on a remote Northern Territory beach and handed over to Australian Border Force (ABF) officials, sparking a fresh political row over border security just days before the federal election.
The men were reportedly discovered by a helicopter pilot from North Australian Helicopters, who alerted Border Force to their presence.
A brief video posted on the company’s Facebook page shows the men standing on the sand with the pilot. The post claimed the group “couldn’t understand a word of English” and pointed out that “SOS” had been written in the sand nearby. No boat was seen at the location.
“SOS – Boat people that have been washed up on the northern coast for quite a while – kissed KING CRAB’S feet when he landed!!! Couldn’t understand a word of English, but maybe they hit Australian shores hoping to vote!!! How many more are there???”
Border Force reportedly picked up the men about three hours after they were spotted on Thursday, 24 April.
As per 7News, Australian Border Force and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke have declined to confirm any details stating:
“We do not confirm, or comment on, operational matters.”
“There has never been a successful people smuggling venture under our government, and that remains true,” he added.
“When someone tries to arrive without a visa, they are detained and then deported.”
The incident has quickly become political ammunition for the Coalition, with Shadow Home Affairs Minister Senator James Paterson calling the potential breach “deeply concerning”.
“Regardless of whether they are people smugglers or illegal fishers, no one should be able to reach the Australian mainland undetected,” Senator Paterson said.
“Once again, we have seen the Albanese government relying on private businesses to alert them to serious security concerns.”
The Coalition is expected to seize on the issue in the final days of campaigning, arguing that a Dutton Coalition government would “restore Operation Sovereign Borders and stop the boats.”
It is reported that under the Albanese government, 28 illegal boat ventures have been confirmed, with all arrivals either turned back or transferred for offshore processing. Over the past year, Operation Sovereign Borders has intercepted 16 people smuggling ventures, involving up to 245 people.
In addition, a joint operation between Border Force, the Navy and the Australian Fisheries Management Authority has resulted in the prosecution of 140 illegal fishers since mid-2023, amid concerns that some may also be engaging in people smuggling.
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