Defence force ‘surge’ to detect asylum boats in Australia’s northern waters follows visa change

Aircraft surveillance has been boosted and additional ships are on patrol, navy tells Senate estimates

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Australia’s defence force has boosted surveillance aircraft and ships to detect possible asylum seeker boats after the Coalition claimed people smugglers would market temporary protection visa changes to asylum seekers.

According to evidence to Senate estimates on Wednesday evening, Defence has provided “surge” support after a request from the Operation Sovereign Borders commander, Rear Admiral Justin Jones.

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