Hey Kristina ..they got the message. 

“Only the Morrison government can keep people-smugglers out of business through our strong stance and consistency on border policy – no one who comes here illegally by boat will ever be allowed to settle in Australia.”

It is understood a “table top” exercise was held last Friday to war-game the readiness of Australia’s response to potential illegal maritime ventures arriving in local waters. The exercise, led by Home Affairs department secretary Mike Pezzullo, included Operation Sovereign Borders, Defence, DFAT and the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.

After Scott Morrison this week raised concerns about the risks of weaker border security under Labor and people-smugglers resuming operations, the Sri Lankan navy warned local residents to “refrain from risking their lives and property by being caught in the tricks of smugglers who are persuading to proceed to foreign countries by treacherous sea voyages”.

“Subsequent search of the fishing vessel led to the apprehension of a group of 19 who were believed to be on an illegal migration attempt to a foreign country and seizure of the local multiday fishing vessel used for the illegal act,” a navy statement said. “Due to the ramshackle nature of the multi-day fishing vessel and rough sea condition, the fishing vessel has sunken while being towed ashore by P4443. Yet the apprehended group of individuals were safely transferred ashore by the navy.”

A further 21 people were later arrested.