The LNP under Mr abbott,had a distinctive policy to Stop the Boats. That featured in the 2010 and 2013 campaigns.
Mr Morrison was the minister charged with this responsibility. He executed in the quiet efficient way that is the hallmark of his public service.
Now Mr Dutton is the minister charged with maintaining this achievement.
This policy is seen as coming from the conservative end of the LNP political spectrum.
Mr Andrews is to the right of this conservative spectrum.
In a move that surprised me Mr Andrews seems to be going to water under pressureof maintaining this policy.. Whether he is speaking for himself or is a spokesman for Mr abbott is not clear.
Here is the current poasition of Mr andrews.
The context:
- The Manus Island Detention is closed
- About 600 Refugees are refusing to leave to go to alternative accommodation
- There is world wide publicity and the Australian govt postion is being pilloried
- Mr Dutton has been called a terrorist by an australian politician
- Ms Adern, NZ PM, has renewed the pledge to take 150 refugees to the NZ mainland
- Mr Turnbull has politely refused the offer, saying that acceding to this offer would restart the boats
- Mr Turnbull has an agreement with the US to take 1200 refugees. This taking time.
- Mr Andrews has publicly asked Mr Turnbull to take Ms Ardern's offer. This is a breach of LNP policy.
- Mr Chalmers ALP has also asked Mr Turnbull to accept the NZ offer
- The Greens ask that the refugeesb brought to Australia
Mr Turnbull is showing great strength in adhering to LNP policy in the face of great international pressure and apparent buckling at the kneees by Mr andrews
