The Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard and the leader of the opposition, Tonny Aboott have both announced new asylum policies. Ms Gillard said negotiations were under way with East Timor on a regional processing centre for asylum-seekers. The opposition leader, Tony Abbott, said his asylum strategy would turn away refugee boats from Australia. He also said he would revive detention centres in Pacific states, such as Nauru and Papua New Guinea. Elections are expected this year and asylum policies are the most politically contentious.