SYDNEY (PINA) — People smugglers planning to use the Torres Strait islands between Australia and Papua New Guinea should not expect much sympathy from islanders, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.
Residents said they were concerned about the prospect of asylum seekers landing on their shores and vowed to be on the lookout for new arrivals, the newspaper said.
The region — which is part of Australia — has a population of about 8,500 people and is made up of 150 islands, 18 of which are inhabited. The most northern islands — Boigu, Dauan and Saibai — are within five kilometers of the Papua New Guinea mainland.
The Australian government excised Australian islands off northern Australia from the migration zone to stop asylum seekers who land on them applying for Australian visas.
The move came amid concerns people smugglers were targeting areas like the Torres Strait as an alternative to Ashmore Reef and Christmas Island further west.
It is part of Australia’s continuing effort to stop the smugglers’ boats landing mainly Middle East and Afghan asylum seekers in Australia, enabling them to apply for refugee status.
A spokesman for Immigration Minister Philip Ruddock was quoted by the Sydney Morning Herald as saying there were concerns a boat would depart in the next few weeks.
Torres Strait Regional Authority Chairman Terry Waia welcomed the move to excise the area from the migration zone, saying it would boost protection.
He told the Sydney Morning Herald: “In recent years we have experienced a growing number of illegal immigrants using the Torres Strait as an entry point into Australian territory.”
Torres Shire Council Deputy Mayor Leo Akee said he was concerned about the health problems unauthorized arrivals might bring, the newspaper said.
“It’s going to pose a bit of a threat, especially up here,” he was quoted as saying. You don’t know what sort of diseases might be passed through, especially in those countries where they don’t have regular vaccinations.”
Akee said islanders were always on the alert for unusual activity and had a good relationship with customs, so new arrivals would be reported at once.
But Aaron Whap, from the Mabuiag Island Community Council, called for a stronger customs and coast watch presence on the outer islands to keep watch for arrivals. Customs is based on Thursday Island, one of the southernmost islands, and has five aides positioned on outer islands, the Sydney Morning Herald said.
