QLD: Beattie again calls for bolstered coastal security

AAP General News (Australia)
04-13-1999
QLD: Beattie again calls for bolstered coastal security

Queensland Premier PETER BEATTIE says the federal government seems content to allow surf
lifesavers to patrol the nation's coastline instead of employing the defence force to prevent
landings of illegal immigrants.

Mr BEATTIE has repeatedly called on the commonwealth to beef up security along the coast
line following two recent incidents of illegal immigrants landing on Australian shores.

He's criticised the federal government's decision to launch an inquiry into Saturday's
arrival of a boatload of Chinese nationals on a beach in northern New South Wales.

This follows a similar incident at Holloways Beach, near Cairns, last month.

Defence Minister JOHN MOORE says the defence forces already have enough to do.

AAP RTV sls/sd/msk/jn

KEYWORD: BOAT QLD (BRISBANE)

1999 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.