According to the Commander of Australia’s Operation Sovereign Borders (OSB) Air Vice-Marshal Stephen Osborne, education plays an important role in preventing people from attempting illegal migration to Australia.
Issuing a media release, the Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection OSB stated that Australia’s strong border protection policies and capabilities had proven highly effective at preventing illegal boat ventures to Australia.
“One of the goals of Operation Sovereign Borders is to educate vulnerable people in other countries about the serious risks and consequences of trying to reach Australia illegally by boat,” said Air Vice-Marshal Stephen Osborne.
“If people don’t know the facts about Australia’s border protection policies, there is a risk that they might make a bad decision and attempt a dangerous boat voyage to Australia.”
Osborne, in the release, also explained that the Australian community played an important part in saving lives and protecting Australia’s borders.
“Our research shows that Australia’s mullticultural communities playa significant role in influencing the migration decisions of people overseas.
“For this reason, we are commited to working with these communities to raise awareness of Australia’s border protection policies, and to encourage community members to share this knowledgewithfriends and family back home.
“People are more likely to believe information when it comes from a trusted friend or relative, so these people can make a big difference when it comes to influencing the decisions of people offshore,” he said.
Emphasizing the fact that they should not become complacent “despite OSB’s strong record of pre preventing illegal migration to Australia”, he said that people smugglers actively spread rumours and false information about changes to our border protection policiesor new routes to Australia.
“So it is important that wetake every opportunity to get out there and tell the truth, and counter the lies of people smugglers.”
He further stated that the Australian Government had been clear that its border protection policies would not change.
“Anyone who attempts to reach Australia illegally by boat will be stopped and turned back,” he affirmed.
Air Vice-Marshal Osborne in the release then proceeded to call on Australia’s multicultural communities to talk to family and friends overseas about Australia’s tough border protection policies.
“It is vital that Australia’s multicultural communities help us to protect vulnerable people from being fooled by people smugglers and risking their lives.
“When you talk to your friends and family, please tell them that the only way to come to Australia is with a valid visa. Tell them not to waste their money or risk their life by trusting a people smuggler and getting on a boat.”
Drawing the release to a close, he said, “the illegal maritime pathway to Australia is closed, and it will stay closed.”
