Goff spreads warning to people-smugglers

Foreign Affairs Minister Phil Goff is trying to get publicity in Indonesia about New Zealand's tougher stance against people-smugglers to ensure those involved know what is in store for them.

Mr Goff, who is in Indonesia, said authorities there had responded positively to the proposed laws, and there was greater co-operation between law-enforcement agencies to crack down on people-smugglers.

"We are also trying to get the message through the media about the tough new sanctions ... so that anyone who is thinking about manning a ship going to Australia or New Zealand knows we are going to crack down hard."

Those convicted of people-smuggling could face up to 20 years in jail.

The Indonesian Government had also responded positively to New Zealand's offer to take more of its refugees.

"They were happy that we saw the problem as a regional issue and weren't just saying 'it is all Indonesia's fault'," he said.

"We were acknowledging they are a developing nation and don't need this extra burden."

The increase would not mean an increase in the overall quota of 750 refugees, "just potentially a greater percentage of that quota coming from those refugees stuck in Indonesia".

Act leader Richard Prebble said the Government was making "ad hoc" policy on refugees.

It was time to set out some "sensible" principles for selecting refugees.

"We select immigrants on the basis of skills," he said. "Why not have the same criteria for refugees?"

- NZPA