Immigration minister Peter Dutton has rejected suggestions the government’s strict new asylum seeker policy was politically motivated.

The government has announced plans to ban all asylum seekers who arrive on boat from ever setting foot in Australia.

Tom Elliott questioned whether the Coalition’s aim was to split Labor on the issue.

‘My honest assumption was that Bill Shorten would come out and support this,’ Peter Dutton said on 3AW Drive.

‘I’ve actually been a bit flabbergasted by the response from Bill Shorten.

‘He needs to show leadership on this.’

Click PLAY below to hear more on 3AW Drive…