Australia PM Tony Abbott defends asylum policy 'closed book'
Thursday, January 09, 2014
SYDNEY: Australian PM Tony Abbott has defended what critics have described as government secrecy over asylum policy.
Officials have in recent days refused to comment on reports that Australian naval forces have turned back at least one boat to Indonesia.
While the political shift brings hope for change, it also places immense pressure on the new administration to deliver on its election promises in the face of serious economic challenges.On another level, newly appointed Finance Minister Ndaba Gaolathe’s grim assessment of the country’s finances adds urgency to the moment. The budget deficit, expected to be P8.7 billion, is now anticipated to be even higher due to underperforming diamond...