EXCLUSIVE: The Federal Government's self-proclaimed tough stance on asylum seekers appears to be in tatters, as reports emerge of an armada of boats heading directly towards Hobart. Hundreds of refugees are said to be on-board the illegal vessels, mostly comprised of middle-aged upper class men seeking asylum from the failings of the NSW Government.

The invasion of the illegal vessels couldn't come at a worse time for the government, as Prime Minister Julia Gillard faces an onslaught of criticism over the handling of refugee claims and conditions inside detention centres.

Hobart residents are outraged over the fact that the illegal vessels were allegedly escorted out of Sydney Harbour by government officials, with full knowledge that their intended destination was Tasmania.

"It seems many of the vessels are actually 'racing' one another to see who can reach Hobart first!" one Hobart resident told WPN.

"Tasmania has been blessed with remoteness and and a unique culture, and now we've got these bloody mainlanders coming in and ruining the joint."

Opposition leader Tony Abbot meanwhile has failed to seize upon the opportunity to attack the government's border-security policy, as rumours circulate that the departure of the boats was quietly supported by Shadow Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

UPDATE: Contact has been made with one of the illegal vessels - an individual known as Reginald Barstrom from Wollstonecraft, NSW, has identified himself as the spokesman for the group. When asked why the groups had decided to flee NSW, Barstrom told WPN of the horrors he and his family left behind.

"Taxes were rising, our private schools were losing their competitive edge due to government interference in the public sector. Since WorkChoices was repealed we've had to actually pay our sweatshop employees fair wages!

"And when our sub-contractors told us we would have to wait an extra three months to build the heated Olympic-sized swimming pool in my backyard, we knew we had to escape that hell-hole."

When pressed on the decision to travel via boat, rather than through proper migration channels, Barstrom told WPN "Well you see, the easiest way to transport my encyclopaedia collection and priceless Roman artefacts is by private boat.

"This way we don't have to deal with those ghastly wharfies."

The occupants of the illegal vessels vehemently deny being 'economic refugees'.

This article has been read 2971 times. You may also be interested in: