Immigration Minister Peter Dutton has hit back at claims the government’s asylum seeker policy was linked to the Bali nine executions, calling it an “outrageous slur”.

Human Rights Commission president Gillian Triggs made the comments today, linking Indonesia’s refusal to negotiate on the death penalty to asylum boat turnbacks.

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She said it was no wonder Indonesia did not engage with Australia on saving the lives of two drug smugglers given that boats were being pushed back.

“It is offensive to the government, to the Australian public, but most of all it’s offensive to the families of the two men involved,” Immigration Minister Peter Dutton told reporters in Brisbane.

Prof Triggs should now front the media and apologise for her comments, which are unbecoming for someone holding “quasi-judicial office”, Mr Dutton said.

“For her to be out there making unfounded statements is a complete disgrace,” the minister said.

He said the families of the two late drug smugglers, above all, were owed an apology.

Mr Dutton also suggested she get back to her “core business” and refrain from making politically loaded comments.

– with AAP