The former government leaked information about a suspected asylum seeker boat to select journalists against the express advice of the Department of Home Affairs.
The former government leaked information about a suspected asylum seeker boat entering Australian waters to select journalists against the express advice of the Department of Home Affairs on the day of the federal election.on the handling of a public statement around the intercept of a Sri Lankan boat on May 21 found departmental staff preserved the “apolitical character” of the public service by refusing to send the statement directly to certain journalists or post it to social media.
Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil said in a statement the former government compromised the operation, and failed in its duty to protect the country. That day the Liberal Party texted millions of voters in marginal seats: “BREAKING – Aust Border Force has intercepted an illegal boat trying to reach Aus. Keep our borders secure by voting Liberal today.”Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison was asked by a Channel Seven reporter to comment about the intercepted boat, to which he replied, “I’ve been here to stop this boat. But in order for me to be there to stop those that may come from here, you need to vote Liberal and Nationals today”.
That statement was sent to the minister’s office about half an hour later, and was promptly returned, updated, with a request to send it to a select list of journalists. Pezzullo told department staff not to do so. The minister’s office then asked if Border Force could tweet the statement and the department declined.
“The detailed chronology of events indicates there was pressure placed on officials to release a public statement regarding the interception of SIEV 915 [suspected illegal entry vessel] prior to the conclusion of the operational activity,” the report said. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and opposition home affairs spokeswoman Karen Andrews have been contacted for comment.
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