Scott Morrison’s staff urged border force to publicise Sri Lankan boat interception on election day

ABF officials made it clear publication of the interception could only proceed on the authority of the home affairs minister, Guardian Australia understands

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Scott Morrison's staff conveyed a clear message to border force officials through Karen Andrews' office on election day that they wanted the department to publicise the interception of a boat from Sri Lanka, Guardian Australia understands.

While an investigation into the politically charged incident is ongoing, people familiar with the events last Saturday have confirmed that on current information, staff working for Andrews made it clear to officials that Morrison wanted the boat interception publicised. They also conveyed that they wanted the opposition briefed about the incident, given the caretaker convention was in force.

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