On Sat, 18 Jan 2014, Tim Josling wrote:
From: Petros
In the absence of a clearly articulated and worked out alternate policy,
First, there must be a problem that requires drastic measurements as infinite detention and violation of International obligations?
Can you explain this problem to me first?
What reality? That there are about *20,000,000* refugees around the world, many of whom would come to Australia if they could.
If you like, browse through the refugee statistics as provided by the UNHCR, e.g. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_refugee_population You will find the vast majority are not about to run over Australia anytime soon. The refugee population in the neighbouring countries is tiny compared to other regions of the world. Furthermore, it is much harder to reach Australia than other parts f the world. The perception is based on pure fear and is completely irrational. Our _controlled_ intake of refugees was reduced under Abbott, the refugee population is less of 1:1000 of Australia's population. (example Germany: 1:144) We also keep reducing our foreign aid, the last cut is just a few days old. If we cannot effort it, who can? Pakistan or Kenya are much better placed to deal with hundred thousands of people. Oh, I nearly forgot to mention that the many of the refugees originate from conflicts where we helped to establish law and order or democracy or whatever it was (Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia) But, thanks to Shire sherriff Morrison we can forget that all. No, don't mention the war. Apropos the word war: we had them in Afghanistan and Iraq. We do not have them here (not against terrorists, not against people smugglers or whatever). Exagerating problems to "war" helps to proclaim "extraordinary times" which need special means. It erodes our democracy. Assange is sitting for years now in an embassy - there wasn't a blib of proper support by the governments which is supposed to look after its citicens abroad. Besides of this it's all fine. Regards Peter