Scott Morrison has recorded a video message aimed directly at people smugglers to deter them from coming to Australia by sea.
The two-minute video is expected to be translated into 15 languages and aired in 10 countries considered asylum-seeker hot spots.
"Make no mistake, if you attempt to come to Australia illegally by boat, you will not succeed," the prime minister says.
The direct message comes after changes to medical evacuations for asylum seekers were legislated against the government's wishes.
Mr Morrison was accused of encouraging people smugglers to restart their trade by suggesting Australia's borders were weakened as a result.
Doctors have been given a greater say in medical transfers for sick asylum seekers on Manus Island and Nauru.
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The changes will only apply to people who are already in offshore detention; any future boat arrivals will not be affected.
However, the government has argued this "nuance" will be ignored by people smugglers trying to entice asylum seekers onto boats.
Attorney-General Christian Porter said it was "implausible" a future Labor government would not extend the medical transfer laws to new arrivals.
"That's something that the Australian people have to think about as they cast their votes at the next ballot," he told the ABC's Insiders program on Sunday.
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