By Situation Theatre 11/05/2016
Hush up about those crimes against humanity.
With growing voter concern about horrific conditions on Nauru and Manus and with 900 asylum seekers in limbo in PNG, the Coalition has told journalists the extent of suffering inflicted on asylum seekers is "our little secret".
730's Leigh Sales asked Immigration Minister Peter Dutton about the government's alternative arrangements in the wake of the PNG decision to close the Manus detention centre. She was unimpressed when he responded only with soothing "Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh" sounds.
Meanwhile Labor is terrified voters will punish them at the ballot box for opposing violations of international law and gross human rights abuses. It has also requested a bit of shoosh when it comes to questions about asylum seekers.
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has asked journalists if they could respect Labor’s spineless tactics in throwing refugees to the wolves and focus more on their strong sense of social justice for voters in marginal seats.