Immigration Minister Scott Morrison held an inaugural briefing on Operation Sovereign Borders. The government was criticised by the opposition for its decision to contain asylum boat arrival announcements to these briefings.
Ahead of Prime Minister Abbott's visit to Indonesia scheduled for 30 September, Foreign Minister Dr Marty Natalegawa said the Australian Government’s boat turn back policy could jeopardise bilateral relations. Former Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer disagreed, calling for a solution to asylum seekers arriving by boat.
Domestically, refugee advocates sought to prevent the transport of a mentally ill boy to Nauru or Manus Island.