The coalition has toughened its stance on asylum seekers, but admits it might face a legal challenge if it wins the federal election and the policy goes ahead.
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott on Friday unveiled a new policy affecting the 32,000 asylum seekers who have already reached Australia by boat but are yet to be processed.
Under the plan, if they are found to be genuine refugees they will be given temporary protection visas (TPV), valid for up to three years.
But there's no guarantees of permanent residency, family reunions will be denied and legal appeal rights would be stripped back.
"This is our country and we determine who comes here," Mr Abbott told reporters in Melbourne on Friday, echoing former prime minister John Howard.
Asylum seekers on boats who discard their passports before being picked up by Australian authorities would be denied any chance of being considered for refugee status.
The policy comes after the coalition last month launched Operation Sovereign Borders - a military response to combat people smuggling and secure Australia's borders.
Coalition immigration spokesman Scott Morrison conceded the new policy might face legal issues.
"There are many legal issues we've got to work through and they are most appropriately worked through with the full resources of government," he said.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is in Perth on Friday to announce the city will become the headquarters of a new oil and gas innovation partnership if Labor is returned on September 7.
It brings together business and research institutes to drive innovation in the energy sector.
Mr Rudd is also expected to respond to shadow treasurer Joe Hockey, who was asked on morning television if he could rule out cuts to health and education if the coalition beat Labor.
"I'm not going to give any on-the-run guarantees, I don't do that," he said.
Labor this week released new TV advertisements highlighting the risk the coalition could make budget cuts affecting jobs, education and health services to pay for its election promises.
Deputy Liberal leader Julie Bishop told the Nine Network the coalition would release its policy costings and savings plans in the last week of the campaign.
"That's judgment day," Home Affairs Minister Jason Clare said.
"That's when the people of Australia will get a really clear idea of what they'll get with Kevin Rudd and what they get with Tony Abbott."
Mr Clare said he wasn't concerned about the latest Newspoll showing Labor behind in key marginal NSW seats.
Mr Abbott on Friday visited a Linfox trucking depot in Melbourne to highlight the three-year anniversary of former prime minister Julia Gillard declaring there would be no carbon tax under her government.
"We know that statement haunted her for three years ... and still haunts this government," he said.
The carbon tax came into effect last year.
