Labor's Border Protection spokesman Richard Marles has twice failed to answer direct questions on the ABC Lateline programme about whether Labor is committed to Regional Processing Centres for illegal maritime arrivals.

It is yet more evidence that the tough border protection measures needed to stop the people smugglers' boats will disappear under a future Labor Government.

Mr Marles and Mr Shorten are increasingly sounding like Kevin Rudd who assured Australians before the 2007 election that he would not alter the Howard Government's border protection policies only to do a complete backflip once elected.

The result was a devastating six years of chaos and dysfunction as criminal people smuggling gangs loaded more than 800 boats with over 50,000 people and sent them to Australia.

What must not be forgotten is that at least 1200 children and adults were lost at sea through that terrible time.

Australia will be dealing with Labor's border failures for years to come at huge cost to the taxpayer.

The Coalition said it would stop the boats and a combination of boat turn-backs where it's safe to do so, Regional Processing Centres and Temporary Protection Visas have halted the people smugglers' ventures.

There has been no successful venture to Australia in more than 600 days and no loss of life at sea.

Mr Marles claims Labor in Government would ensure the boats would not recommence.

Yet Labor has already revealed it will unwind the Temporary Protection Visa regime developed by the Coalition.

Now Mr Marles has equivocated on Regional Processing Centres.

Labor does not have the ability, fortitude or intention to stick with the policies that are needed to defeat the people smugglers.​