Fed: Labor frontbenchers predict opposition on boat policy

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Fed: Labor frontbenchers predict opposition on boat policy

Labor frontbenchers have conceded there's opposition within party ranks to their revampedasylum seeker policy.

Details of the policy, which includes a 90-day cap on mandatory detention, a one-stop-shopappeal process, and the introduction of a US-style green card system for catching foreignersworking illegally, will be revealed to Labor caucus this morning.

Opposition Leader SIMON CREAN and the party's immigration spokeswoman JULIA GILLARDwill publicly announce details later today.

But Mr CREAN says caucus will need to consider the policy, and he's set a deadlinefor debate to conclude on Thursday.

He says there will be opposition to aspects of the policy.

But Opposition multicultural affairs spokesman LAURIE FERGUSON says divisions on thepolicy won't result in a spilt.

Labor's community security spokesman MARK LATHAM says it's a great policy and willbe supported following debate.

AAP RTV sm/sw/jmt

KEYWORD: DETENTION LABOR (CANBERRA)