Prime minister-elect Tony Abbott expects people smugglers to test his government's resolve but insists the coalition is determined to end their trade.
Mr Abbott promised during the election campaign that in the first 100 days of a coalition government a three-star military commander will be tasked with leading asylum seeker boat operations under what he calls Operation Sovereign Borders.
He now says that will begin the day his government is sworn in, which is expected to happen early next week.
"I think the people smugglers now know that things are going to be very, very different in this country and in the seas to our north," Mr Abbott told Fairfax Radio on Monday.
"It wouldn't surprise me if they attempt to test the new government's resolve but they will certainly find our determination more than equal to theirs."
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.
He warned that asylum seekers coming by boat would also find a "very different situation" in Australia.
"One of the things that will happen very swiftly is that people who come here illegally by boat, even those who might ultimately be found to be refugees, will not get permanent residency of our country," Mr Abbott said.
His comments come as the first asylum boat was intercepted hours after he was elected prime minister.
The boat, carrying 88 passengers and two crew, was spotted by a border patrol aircraft northwest of Darwin on Sunday.
