Asylum seekers arrive on Christmas Day

Authorities have intercepted a suspected asylum-seeker vessel northeast of Ashmore
Island.
A statement from Home Affairs Minister Brendan O'Connor said initial indications
suggested there were 57 passengers and three crew on board the boat, which was
detected on Saturday.
Acting opposition immigration spokesman Michael Keenan said the boat arrival was a
poignant reminder that people smugglers don't take holidays.
"Nothing will stop the people smugglers; not Christmas Day, not the monsoon season,
not life-taking tragedies," Mr Keenan said in a statement.
"It's well past time that the Labor government understood that the only thing that
will stop the boats coming and prevent more lives being lost is an urgent change of
policy."
The latest arrivals will be transferred to Christmas Island where they will undergo
security, identity and health checks.