Bill Shorten says Labor will stop the boats, says govt policy is working

Bill Shorten has tried to counter government attacks on the opposition over border security policy, saying a Labor government "will stop the boats".

And, he agrees the Turnbull Government's policy, including boat turn backs, has stopped the people smugglers.

Mr Shorten said he would work harder to strike a re-settlement deal with regional countries.

And, he would put a stop to indefinite detention, although he didn't set a time limit.

The government sees Labor as weak on border protection, warning the people smugglers would be back in business, and the boats would re-start under a Labor government.

The party is due to debate the policy at its national conference, in December.

"We will stop the boats," Mr Shorten told ABC radio.

"And we share the view of the government that this policy has been effective in deterring people smugglers.

"But I also believe we shouldn't have what is emerging as indefinite detention for people in these facilities."

Mr Shorten said he couldn't "give an absolute time limit" from opposition.

He named Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and Canada, as possible countries to negotiate re-settlement deals.

He also made it clear Labor supports the deal with the United States.

"What I would like to do is see the problem resolved," Mr Shorten said.

"This issue should be above party politics."

Mr Shorten’s comments could also be seen as a message to those in the party agitating to change the turn back policy at conference.