Belly,
Your critisism of Abbott, in defence of Labor, is comendable, but the fact remains that Labor abolished a system that worked in detering the boats from coming. It was not just Nauru but also the addition of the TPVs that made the illegals think it not worthwhile.

I don't know if it will work again as, after Rudd abandoned Nauru and abolished the TPVs, the illegals see our government as weak. The fiasco of the 'Oceanic Viking' further weaking our credibility.

It is quite apparent Labor has not the ability or the will to stop the boats and it will be up to the next government. Even if Rudd replaces Gillard, it is he that caused the debarcle in 2008.

Whatever measures are taken it must be aimed at not making the voyage worth the risk and cost for the illegals. To blame the boat owners is pointless as they are merely poor fishermen trying to make a quid by providing a service. The demand has to stop.

The Malaysian deal may have worked, but a poor deal in 800 for 4000, but was scuttled because we were not in control of the illegals treatment there.

All in all a complete cock up by Labor, that is costing us millions.

Lexi,

If you are professing to think logically rather than parroting the party line:

With regards the Malaysian solution can you seriously say that the 800 quota for 4 years would be enough, given that after the announcement 400 arrived in 3 months?

With regards the Pacific solution (not just Nauru) in 2001 the boat arrivals dropped from 4000p.a. to less than 100p.a. and increased again in 2008 to >5000p.a. when stopped. in 2007 when Labor took control, there were 4 people in detention.

Labor is trying to persuade us that on the word of one government official, that the pacific solution won't work. Puleez!

The advantage of the Pacific solution is that less than 50% of those arriving in Nauru made it to Australia, and if rejected they could not appeal to the Australian courts, only a tribunal, and even if they did get to Australia, they only got temporary residence and were unable to bring their relatives.

Even with the changes in the region, whilst the pacific solution may not be as effective, it certainly would be vastly better than the on shore processing we have today.

Juliar should simply get the amendments passed, and start processing off shore again. By refusing the option offered by the coalition she is cutting of her nose to spite her face. Only if she tries the pacific solution and it does not work can she point any fingers at the coalition.

WAIT A MINUTE !
Didn't the opposition amendment provide that the boat people could be
sent to ANY UNHCR approved country ?

If so then what is Labours objection to the coalition amendment ?
Is the objection because it would also include Nauru ?

Bazz
Conservatives wants ONLY ITS POLICY.
Not MALAYSIA.
They/know/knew without their support only onshore processing remains.
Politics first country last for Abbott

Belly,

Juliar has formed a coalition with the greens and independents who have a majority in both houses. Their responsibility is pass legislation to enact their policies. If Juliar cannot do this then her government has failed. Trying to blame the opposition for her failure is pathetic.

If had the interests of the nation as a priority and not her petty politics she could have the option of off shore processing 148 countries by the end of the week. She also has the option of continuing with the Malaysian solution by getting Malaysia to sign up to the convention, just as Abbot got Nauru to sign the convention.

Abbott has agreed to 99% of the amendments, her refusal to go with this is an act of political spite and dereliction of the national interest.

SM,

I'm not interested in arguing with you about Nauru.
Simply because there is no logic to it.
Also, Finger-pointing by either of us -
is not going to achieve anything
constructive.

We have politicians in this country
who are well educated, experienced, professionals.
People who should be capable of coming together
to solve a problem that isn't going to go away
no matter who is in government. Neither side of
politics is perfect and neither side -
always gets it right. I believe that the function
of Parliament is to resolve issues in the
interests of the nation and not individual parties.

It's time that as far as this issue is concerned,
politics was put aside and both sides co-operated
to reach the best outcome for all concerned by agreeing
on a humane, practical, expedient, and economical solution
that would stop the people smugglers.