Budget boost likely for border security

07 May 2009 | 11:13:49 AM | Source: AAP

Asylum seekers_HMAS Wollongong_220409_B_AAP_244181042

HMAS Wollongong was involved in the rescue of asylum seekers

Border security is expected to get up to $500 million in funding in next Tuesday's federal budget.

Since the Rudd government abolished temporary protection visas last August, 18 vessels of asylum seekers have been intercepted in Australian waters.

This has led to opposition claims that the government's border protection policy has failed.

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Anti-people smuggling measures

The government will outline a Regional Action Plan which could receive between $200 million and $500 million in anti-people smuggling measures, The Australian reports.

The funding is expected to finance more boats and aircraft, training for border-control staff and extra Australian Federal Police (AFP) in the south-east Asia region.

Other News Ltd papers reported that the AFP is tipped to get an extra $80 million for counter-terrorism measures overseas.

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