The author claims that "The government's policy is unsustainable. In the long term it will not stop boats taking to the high seas and for all we know it may not be working in the short term". These claims are at odds with the facts. The author seemingly will not be happy until the flood of boats and deaths at sea (stopped by the policies he criticises) resumes once more.

Nobody condones the violence against asylum seekers at Manus Island. That said, I don't think the asylum seekers there will be in a hurry to riot again. Part of the problem with disturbances at detention centres is that there generally are little in the way of consequences for rioters (except maybe in PNG).

Bruce has to understand that the Government's supporters are cheering them on. In fact a lot of opposition voters are also cheering. Bruce, matey we vote! It is going to go our way. Bleat all you like but I and most people think your opinions are foolish and wrong.
Last time I looked we were in a democracy which is why you are welcome to voice your opinions and I mine. Mind you do a poll on the "Refugees" opinions and I bet you would be horrified what they support. Certainly not any opposing views.

Bruce you are way out of touch.

The boats are stopping and the detention centres are emptying. Why don't you praise that instead of forecasting future doom?

Why haven't you praised our great humanitarian success this government is having in saving lives at sea?

Why are you never critical of the Indonesians in refusing to assist us in that endeavour?

Why are you not critical of the Indonesians for not being thankful that our policy is reducing the numbers of illegals entering Indonesia?

If you had one modicum of praise about stopping the boats and saving lives your bleating about one death in a detention centre at the hands of Papua New Guinea police and our governments refusal to acknowledge responsibility would have some credibility.

As it stands you just look silly running around screeching like chicken little. Your cause is lost. You have nothing else.

Bruce old feller, perhaps no one has told you, people retire when they are past it.

Mate that most definitely applies to you. You are so far out of touch with Oz, & what the Oz people want, it would be funny, if not so pitiful.

Perhaps all that time in the heat in Pakistan and Afghanistan was too much for you, although I'm sure the Ozzie taxpayer is most adequately compensating you for your efforts.

That being the case, pull your fool head in, & let us get on with making sure we can find the money to do that. We have enough trouble finding the money to support broken down bureaucrats, including diplomats, without idiots running interference, & trying to waste even more money.

Do find a nice rocking chair, in the sun, & spend your declining years peacefully, out of sight.

The last four posters should open their eyes and switch on their reasoning ability if they have any.
The matter Bruce is discussing is not "stopping the boats" but Ministerial accountabilty, particularly the readiness to stop disclosure of the facts under the pretence of "operational security".
Instead of throwing personal abuse at Bruce, the writers would be better off in attempting to verify or discredit government statements.

Ponder you don't get it! These rascals started a riot! They attacked and threw stones at a mob of coppers. That was going to end it tears, even you would know that. It takes Australia and the rest of the world months to interview and sort out what from where in situations like this.
You want instant gratification? Well you are not going to get it with this Mate. The majority are satisfied with the Minister and Prime Minister. In fact delighted would be more accurate. Your complaint is noted and adds only to my enjoyment of a bit of backbone being shown at last.
I am also a migrant, paid my fare, worked and happy to be an Australian.
Free country, do not complain, leave!