The threat of imprisonment in Australia serves as no deterrent for Indonesian boat crew, he says.

“The preference of a number of older fishermen is to remain in detention in Australia,” Mr Sheldon says in the submission.

“Depending on their jobs in prison, they can earn up to $20 per day, making them wealthy beyond comparison upon their return to their villages after their sentence is served.

“They also receive free dental and medical services during their imprisonment.

“Combined with the relative safety of their work in prison compared to the dangerous work at sea, Australian imprisonment is very desirable.”