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

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

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.

He says Opposition Leader TONY ABBOTT had the chance to make amendments .. but he didn't
.. which shows he's not serious about stopping people smuggling and this is just another
stunt.

Mr ABBOTT has announced that repeat offenders would face a minimum 10-year prison sentence
under a coalition government.

AAP RTV jcd/rl/af

KEYWORD: POLL10 BOAT O'CONNOR (CANBERRA)

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