TONY Abbott is adamant he is prepared to turn boats with asylum seeker back to Indonesia, despite a sharp warning the policy will damage Australia's ties to south-east Asia.
The Opposition leader insisted he was happy to explain his policy "to anyone who wants to hear it" after the chief of the Association of South East Asian Nations branded the idea counterproductive.
Surin Pitsuwan, head of the 10-nation association that covers south-east Asia, said Mr Abbott's policy was only political rhetoric intended for domestic consumption.
He also warned such a move could jeapordise Australia's relations with its neighbours.
Mr Abbott was heavily criticised by Labor ministers last week for failing to raise the tow-back plans during a meeting with Indonesian president, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
But Mr Abbott yesterday said the Coalition intended to have offshore processing and bring back temporary protection visas.
"Third, you've got to be prepared to turn boats around where it's safe to do so. Now, I am happy to explain my policy to anyone who wants to hear it," he said.
The stoush comes as four asylum seeker boats were intercepted in 24 hours, with a total of more than 140 passengers. Three of the vessels were at Cocos Islands, the other at Christmas Island.