Tired old fear campaign not flying

3 September 2004

Attorney General Philip Ruddock's linking of the Russian atrocity, terrorism and asylum seeker boats has been quickly and properly challenged by the media, Mr Howard Glenn, National Director of A Just Australia commented today.

"It is great to see the quick condemnation of Philip Ruddock's scare words.

"The morning after the terror attacks of September 11th, Philip Ruddock linked this with the boats of asylum seekers coming to Australia - and he's at it again.

"We know now that those in the boats at that time were refugees fleeing the Taliban and Saddam Hussein.

"Anyone seeing the reports from Russia, America or Bali would share our earnest desire that this never happens here.

"Like many other Australians, I just wish that there was someone I can believe in charge of countering terrorism in Australia", Mr Glenn said.

For further information: Howard Glenn, 02 9310 3900

Transcript of interview from Liberal Party website, 2/9/2004
Mr Ruddock: Well I notice that there are reports from Indonesia that some people are
planning to try and arrive clandestinely in Australia again. It is remarkable how when you get
close to elections that people think there might be a change of policy, that these matters seem
to emerge and it surprised me, I have to say, to read the reports coming out of Indonesia that
they are closely working on identifying potential passengers that might be seeking to come to
Australia clandestinely. That would suggest to me that this would not be a time at which you
would be looking at changing those arrangements.
...
Reporter: Mr Ruddock, you made reference to reports that boats are planning to come from
Indonesia. What reports are you referring to and what evidence do you have?
Mr Ruddock: You are from the West Australian aren't you? I think I saw a report of it in
the West Australian.
Reporter: What evidence do you have?
Mr Ruddock: No - I saw a report of it in the West Australian.
Reporter: And have you investigated ...
Mr Ruddock: And I have seen a report in other newspapers and I am simply making the
point. You asked me whether there was a need for Operation Relex, and I have responded by
pointing to the fact that there are reports - I said nothing more -
Reporter: (inaudible)
Mr Ruddock: Well I am confident that in relation to these matters that very professional
officers that we have make enquiries in relation to these matters. Very confident.
Reporter: ... Indonesia ...
Mr Ruddock: I responded to a question. Don't verbal me please (reporter inaudible) I am
simply saying that when you suggest that a very important part of our frontline border
security arrangements should be possibly dismantled, are we going to continue it, that there
are reports of people clandestinely seeking to enter Australia, it wouldn't be the time that you
would be looking at moving them. That's the answer I gave to a question you posed. And I
based it on your reports -
Reporter: You based your maritime surveillance policy on newspaper reports?
Mr Ruddock: No, we base it- I said to you that we would make professional judgements
on advice, that's what I said, and I have had no advice that suggests that Operation Relex
should be removed. But I pointed out your newspaper report, amongst others, that suggested
that there were people planning a clandestine arrival, and that Indonesian police were alert to
that possibility and were making enquiries. And am I making enquiries? When I have got
something further to say on that, I will. But I am not dealing with that today.