By Rich Bowden:

Tony Abbott’s unveiling of the Coalition refugee policy today, where he promised an apparent rerun of the Howard-era “Pacific Solution” processing of asylum seekers, has caused yet another rift with party moderates.

Mr Abbott told reporters in Canberra the policy was a return to the controversial offshore processing policy under the previous Coalition Government. Though territories were not named, Mr Abbott expressed confidence that appropriate arrangements could be made with neighbouring countries.

The controversial “Pacific Solution” under Mr Howard saw offshore processing of refugees carried out on Nauru and PNG’s Manus Island.

“The next coalition government will swiftly begin negotiations with foreign countries to ensure that there is offshore processing available in those countries should Christmas Island be full,” Mr Abbott said.

He added the hardline policy was about “stopping the boats,” saying “We’ve done it before, we’ll do it again.”

However the announcement of the policy — made without consultation with the party room — has alienated some Liberal moderates. Backbencher Petro Georgiou slammed his leader’s announcement saying the policy was “cruel.”

“It will further victimise the persecuted,” he said. “It does not have my support.”

Faifax Media reported today that Mr Georgiou, and fellow moderates Judi Moylan and Judith Troeth, confronted Mr Abbott in his office to complain that no chance for discussion over the policy had been allowed before the announcement of the policy to the media.

The ABC is reporting that Russell Broadbent, another MP known for his moderate views on asylum seekers, has openly criticised the decision.

“My views and standing are well known and documented on these issues,” he said to Parliament today. “I take not one step back or resile on what I have said and what I have done. I stand in the absolute assurance that hope will always triumph over fear.”

Mr Abbott has said the Coalition’s offshore processing policy will be similar, but not identical, to that exercised under former PM John Howard.

“My values are very, very similar to those of John Howard but I am not an identikit of John Howard,” he said. “But where John Howard’s policies worked, and they certainly did in that area, I am very happy to continue them.”

He acknowledged that the policy would cause divisions in his party.

“I understand that there will be some members of the Coalition team who are uncomfortable with this,” Mr Abbott said.

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