The issue of asylum seekers is hotly debated around the world, especially in Australia. Recently, the Australian labor party has outlined their views on asylum seekers at their annual, national conference. They propose to increase the intake of refugees by 2000 through their humanitarian program, though this may include offshore processing. Some members of ALP believe that they should only increase the amount of asylum seekers if the Malaysia deal stays part of Labor policy, as documented on the official ALP website. However, the high court has ruled against offshore processing in Malaysia, as the Malaysia deal violates the immigration policy and the immigrations minister’s duty of care to asylum seekers that are minors. Offshore processing is also more expensive then onshore processing, with the processing at Christmas Island and other offshore processing plants costing over one billion dollars. Policy seems to be a short-term fix, only focused on trying to gain the political up hand against their opponents. The Australian labor party conference has added nothing to the debate of what to do with these asylum seekers. The government needs to develop a policy that is both legal and more economical.

sources: http://www.oxfam.org.au/resources/filestore/originals/OAus-PriceTooHighAsylumSeekers-0807.pdf
http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/ma1958118/s198a.html
http://www.chrisbowen.net/media-centre/speeches.do?newsId=5333

"The government needs to develop a policy that is both legal and more economical."

Ok, that's a given.

Do you have any opinion on how this might be done?

Welcome student R very well put bonmot.
Have you been at one of these National conferences SR?
Are you aware of just how much work is put in to any out come being past.
Well I have not either.
But ten or more state conferences /country Labor conferences yes I was there.
What is your plan.
Lets consider a few important things.
Labor is currently getting 29% of the vote.
Stymied by those in Canberra who truly think they can perform a Miracle.
One much harder than water in to Wine.
Turning Gillard in to a popular figure!
Like turning NSW blue mountains in to cheese.
Labors ability's are limited by the intentions of Abbott's negativity and Browns single minded inability to count.
In any issue, driving a stake in to your own heart, picking issues that turn more away than not, is a slow death for politics.
Thought?
Not enough want to think, about separatism in our country, future ghettos and riots.
About why the boats come, not clutching the refugee straw for every one.
Yes about the costs.
First Student R look to Tony Abbott, he cares not about Australia.
Watch your thread become home to Labors past mistakes story's.
But watch too, Conservatives roll in the issue in joy like a horse in a sand box.
That Joy is at this country expense.

Good morning Belly, a lot of truth to what you say.

Perhaps everyone should have a closer look at SR's links.

I have to point out SR, that Oxfam paper is somewhat dated, don't you think? In fact, prior to Labor taking control and certainly prior to the escalation in boat arrivals.

Furthermore, the Migration Act has had some amendments since then, do you agree and if so, do you think they went far enough?

Your link to Minister Bowen's speech to the ALP National Conference is apt, in more ways than one. It provides anyone who reads it (and they should) an opportunity to send the Minister a message - he certainly needs some feedback.

However, let me put this to you, as I have to other commenters here on OLO;

Do you not think "stopping the boats" and saving lives is worth the cost of of processing assylum seekers in Malaysia?

In answering that question, bear in mind that processing assylum seekers on Australia's mainland does not discourage boats, but encourages them - as we have most dramatically seen these last few weeks, and particularly since the determination of the High Court and the government's perceived 'failure' to get the support of the so called "Noalition".

Similarly, processing assylum seekers on Nauru will not stop the boats from attempting the journey to Christmas Island, nor Ashmore Reef - despite the howls to the contrary and especially since the aforsaid amendments to the Act.

Put simply and by extension of Minister Bowen's address, what price do you put on human life? What is your opinion?

The roots of the problem go much deeper than where illegals are processed (in fact, many who write on this forum see no "problem"-- the more the merrier!)

When you have outcomes like this --and we seem to get similar almost every week:

http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/national/national/general/refugee-cleared-to-sponsor-mother/2393749.aspx

"Mr Shahi arrived on Christmas Island as an unaccompanied child in May 2009 and was granted a protection visa later that year.

In December 2009 he applied for a ''global special humanitarian'' visa for his mother and several other family members to join him in Australia."

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/national/high-court-rules-for-afghan-refugee/story-e6freooo-1226222067060

The High Court was told that Mr Shahi did not know his exact date of birth and it had been agreed that he turned 18 some time after the December 2009 reunion application

How on earth can you expect to stop the flow of illegals!

Anyone know how many "illegals" overstay their tourist/visitor visa when they catch a plane to Australia?