A former Australian diplomat-turned-asylum seeker activist has rejected Immigration Minister Scott Morrison's claims that Australian border protection services acted appropriately during several rescue operations of boats in distress this year.
Mr Morrison says internal reviews into three fatal asylum seeker boat sinkings in June and July showed the Australian agencies involved complied with relevant policies, processes, and procedures.
But Tony Kevin, the author of books about asylum seeker boat sinkings, says the protocol is that every distress call should be answered promptly, and this has not happened.
He's told Kerri Worthington the first review, in particular, highlights a seeming lack of urgency in the agencies' response, contrary to their obligations under international law.
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