Liberal MPs defend lifetime visa boat ban

Liberal MPs have defended the government's push for a lifetime visa ban on asylum seekers arriving by boat, despite a parliamentary report spelling out concerns.

The government-dominated committee raised human rights questions about the proposal, describing it as "severe and exceptional".

But committee chair Ian Goodenough later issued a statement on behalf of Liberal MPs, saying it reflected legal advice and not their view and all sides of the parliament should vote for the legislation.