Federal Labor denies it has gone cold on pursuing the government over allegations cash payments were given to people smugglers to turn around boats.
"The idea we've dropped off on this is unfortunately not right," opposition immigration spokesman Richard Marles told ABC TV on Wednesday, a day after his leader used the national security defence to bat away questions about what payments Labor in government made to people smuggling rings.
"We actually need to hear from our PM that this ain't so, that this did not happen."
Mr Marles accused the government of using spy agency ASIS to muddy the allegations.
It has been suggested an ASIS officer handed over $US30,000 to six crew members of two boats carrying 65 asylum seekers from Indonesia.
After the cash was handed over the two boats returned to Indonesia territory.
"It's a disgrace that they've put ASIS under the frame here," Mr Marles said.
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