Gilmore MP Fiona Phillips quizzed by national media on boat turnback position

Speaking with media during a visit to Manildra's Shoalhaven Starches operation on Thursday with Labor leader Anthony Albanese and and Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations Tony Burke, Mrs Phillips was asked about her stance on turning back the boats and the fact she signed a document in 2015 that "fiercely opposed" turning back the boats.

She was also asked if her current position remained the same.

Read more:

"I absolutely 100 per cent support Labor's policy," Mrs Phillips said, to which she was asked why she had changed her mind when she was "such a fierce advocate of not turning back the boats".

"There have been two national conferences since then and as an MP I absolutely support Labor's policy," Mrs Phillips said.

When pushed if she could articulate the reason why she had changed her stance, Mr Albanese tried to intervene and was asked by the journalists to "allow his candidate to speak for herself."

"We understand Mr Albanese has changed his mind, why did you change your mind and when?" journalists asked.

"She's answered that," fired back Mr Albanese.

"I like any member have been to national conferences and just like we should, we discuss items and I support that position, absolutely," Mrs Phillips said.

"That's what I did at the 2016 election and the 2019 election. Nothing has changed. I support Labor policy.

"I support regional offshore processing and if required and safe to do so, boat turnbacks."

"Everyone supports our position - the Labor Party position is very clear - we support boat turnbacks," Mr Albanese said.

He said it was an example of the Prime Minister looking for division "where there aren't any".

"The truth is boat turnbacks have worked," he said.

"The truth is the Labor Party has been very clear about supporting boat turnbacks. I support it, everyone on my team supports it, we'll implement it."