Men arrested after trying to enter Australia by boat

Laine Clark |
May 8, 2024

A group of men have been arrested after trying to enter Australia via the Torres Strait on a rubber boat.

Five men are believed to be in custody on Saibai Island, off the coast of far north Queensland, after being intercepted by authorities.

The men are reportedly from West Africa, but it is unclear whether they have applied for asylum in Australia.

Asked about the group’s arrival, the Australian Border Force said it has “well-established processes to manage irregular movements of people through the Torres Strait”.

The men reportedly traveled to Papua New Guinea via Indonesia, allegedly using fake travel documents before attempting to enter Queensland.

PNG Police Commissioner David Manning told the ABC they had launched an “ongoing investigation”, with two others being questioned about their alleged involvement.

It is believed that the five detained men have undergone medical checks.

It is the latest border security incident after a nearly 40-strong group of people from Pakistan and Bangladesh were found north of Broome in Western Australia in February.

They were later flown to an offshore detention center on the Pacific island of Nauru.

The coalition said at the time that it was the thirteenth attempt to arrive by boat by asylum seekers since the last federal election.

Deputy Opposition Leader Sussan Ley called on Wednesday for the dumping of Immigration Minister Andrew Giles.

She said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese needed to take action following the Torres Strait interception, claiming a released immigration detainee allegedly violently attacked Perth’s grandmother Ninette Simmons.

“There is one simple thing the Prime Minister can do and that is remove his immigration minister,” she told Sky News.

“Andrew Giles only holds that position because of his close personal relationship with Anthony Albanese.

“I’m sorry, but faction loyalty really shouldn’t come first over keeping the community safe, and that’s what’s happening.”

MONKEY