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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Paul Karp

Defence force ‘surge’ to detect asylum boats in Australia’s northern waters follows visa change

Sailors keep a lookout
Defence has provided ‘surge’ support after a request from the Operation Sovereign Borders commander, Australian senators have been told. Photograph: Aaron Bunch/AAP

Australia’s defence force has boosted surveillance aircraft and ships to detect possible asylum seeker boats after the Coalition claimed people smugglers would market temporary protection visa changes to asylum seekers.

According to evidence to Senate estimates on Wednesday evening, Defence has provided “surge” support after a request from the Operation Sovereign Borders commander, Rear Admiral Justin Jones.

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