Party spokesman went too far: Abbott

Tony Abbott. Photo / Getty Images

CANBERRA - Australian Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has conceded that the Coalition went too far in criticising the Government for paying for Christmas Island shipwreck survivors to attend family funerals.

Coalition immigration spokesman Scott Morrison was blasted for saying it was unreasonable to expect taxpayers to foot the bill for flying 22 family members from Christmas Island to Sydney for Tuesday's funerals.

Morrison yesterday admitted the timing of his comments was "insensitive". He told Macquarie Radio: "I know probably more than anyone how strongly people feel about this issue, how angry they get about the costs that are involved. I share that anger, and I want to see that changed, but there is a time and a place."

Abbott said Morrison's contrition showed guts. "I want to thank Scott for being man enough to accept that perhaps we did go a little bit too far yesterday."

Immigration Minister Chris Bowen said chartering flights for the family members had cost about A$300,000. Asked if that was too costly, Abbott said: "It's up to the Government to justify what the Government does."

As many as 50 people died when SIEV 221 crashed on rocks in December. Eight of the dead were buried in two funeral services in Sydney. The family members, including three children, were to return to the Christmas Island Detention Centre yesterday.

Home Affairs Minister Brendan O'Connor said: "People want strong border protection, but they don't believe you should come out and attack a 10-year-old's right to grieve at the grave of his father."

- AAP