Morrison confirms boat turnbacks

At least 12 asylum-seeker boats have been stopped from entering Australian since the federal government launched its controversial turnback policy, Immigration Minister Scott Morrison says.

(File: AAP)

Just one boat reached Australia in the period between December 19 and May, compared with the 268 that arrived in the same period the previous year.

Mr Morrison has confirmed to News Corp Australia that 12 other boats had been turned back, with four of the incidents involving the use of lifeboats.

A further 45 boats had also been stopped trying to depart for Australia in a separate operation with Malaysian, Indonesian and Sri Lankan authorities.

The government was criticised after it stopped briefing media on details of Operation Sovereign Borders in December, and Mr Morrison said operational sensitivity around turnbacks had eased and he could now release some details.