Defence Minister Peter Dutton has been left “stunned” by the Labor Leader’s declaration his government would turn back people-smuggler boats.

Anthony Albanese told reporters, “we’ll turn boats back. Turning boats back means that you don’t need offshore detention.”

Mr Dutton was in disbelief when Ray Hadley informed him of the comment.

Peter Dutton: “I doubt that he said that, Ray.”

Ray Hadley: “You think I’m making it up?”

The Defence Minister says it’s a “very dangerous statement”.

“You can’t just turn people around.

“I think this is a really significant watershed moment for them.”

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