Asylum seekers' fate up to Indonesia: Gillard

The asylum seekers' boat was intercepted by Indonesian authorities after Prime Minister Kevin Rudd personally spoke to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and is now moored at a port in Western Java.

Last night members of the group made a direct plea to Mr Rudd for help, telling reporters they were fleeing "genocide" in Sri Lanka and feared being killed if they were returned to the country.

"We came until the last point believing that Australia will accept us into their country," said one asylum seeker, identified as "Alex".

But Ms Gillard says the asylum seekers' fate is a matter for Indonesia.

"Matters in Indonesia are dealt with by the Indonesian Government," she said.

"Our message is very clear. We say to people who are engaged in people smuggling, they are engaged in a vile trade that seeks to profit off human misery, and anything we can do to stop people smugglers plying that vile trade, we will do."

Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull, who has stepped up his attack against the Government's asylum seeker policies, says the asylum seekers should not be allowed to come to Australia.

"If they seek the protection of the United Nations High Commission on Refugees in Indonesia then they should be dealt with accordingly. But they should not be rewarded for this effort by being admitted into Australia," he said.

The latest boat carrying 56 asylum seekers arrived in Australian waters on Tuesday.

The recent influx has filled the Christmas Island detention centre almost to capacity and the Government is sending about 80 demountables to the island to cope with increased numbers of asylum seekers.

But when asked about the contingency plan today Mr Rudd said he was not aware of it.

"On the detail of that I can't comment. I've not seen that report," he said.