* Immediate suspension of the processing of new asylum applications from Sri Lanka and Afghanistan as result of "evolving circumstances" in both countries.
* New asylum claims by Sri Lankan nationals will be suspended for three months and claims by Afghan nationals for six months.
* The suspensions will be reviewed at the end of their respective periods.
* Asylum seekers presently on Christmas Island will continue to have their claims processed and will not be subject to the suspension.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
* Boat arrivals claiming asylum will continue to be subject to mandatory detention, including those subject to the suspension.
* A criminal intelligence fusion centre will be established within the Australian Crime Commission to detect and prevent organised crime, including operations set up to finance people smuggling into Australia.
* The government will invest $14.5 million over four years in the centre, which will integrate financial data and criminal intelligence across relevant agencies.
* The government will also seek to expedite the passage of legislation that will significantly strengthen Australia's laws against people smuggling.
