16 boats arrive since PNG deal struck THERE have been 16 asylum seeker boat arrivals since the Rudd government announced a week ago its new hardline policy to resettle refugees in Papua New Guinea. On Saturday, Home affairs Minister Jason Clare revealed details of the latest arrivals. Border protection authorities intercepted boat number 13 carrying 76 passengers and two crew north of Christmas Island on Thursday. It came after HMAS Bathurst assisted boat number 12, carrying 96 passengers and three crew, when it ran into trouble north-northwest of Christmas Island on Wednesday. People on board both boats have been taken to Christmas Island for initial identity and health checks before they are transferred to Papua New Guinea. A spokeswoman from Mr Clare's office said the number of passengers on three other boats - making a total of 16 boats in the week - was still being confirmed. Close to 1000 people, the total number of passengers on the 13 boats, are waiting on Christmas Island to be transferred to PNG. Immigration Minister Tony Burke will address the media in Sydney on Saturday afternoon following his recent visit to inspect conditions at the Manus Island tent city detention complex in PNG. During the visit Mr Burke spoke with whistleblower Rod St George who alleges up to half a dozen men were assaulted and sexually abused by some detainees. Under the federal government's deal with PNG, people arriving by boat without a visa will be denied resettlement in Australia, be taken to Manus Island for processing and if their refugee status is approved, resettled in PNG.