Its outright lying to use the term illegals because they aren't illegal under the Convention. The liars cant hide behind the notions that its slang when everybody knows that they aren't illegal. But if Leigh hasn't figured out that these people are not illegal after this debate has been going on for over ten years then maybe he and the people like him aren't smart enough to be Australian and they should leave. I don't think of people like Leigh as Australians -- to me they are just transplanted Europeans a historical anomaly at best and not real citizens of Australia. An Australian should be smart enough to survive and at least the asylum seekers are intelligent enough to know that they aren't illegals. Smart people in and stupid people out. Don't let the door hit you on your way out grandad.

Ah jj, don't get your knickers in a knot over this - it's just typical Australian larrikan shorthand to name something, sometimes in dergogatory terms for convenience.

You seem to have a problem with "tolerence" and if someone disagrees with your opinion, they are liars, and deserving of insult, and should leave Australia?

Australia is a society that welcomes a range of views - Leigh is entitled to his view and his vernacular, right or wrong, this is an opinion site - you should apologise immediately.

"Smart people in and stupid people out" that's priceless, I can't stop laughing at it .. written by a clearly intolerent person who loses their biscuit over "illegals!" jeez, get a grip.

No way mate, Leigh doesn't deserve an apology. I'm ok with people disagreeing with me but I haven't got time for the haters and I won't be nice to them.

isn't it sad when the Australian Government gets shamed into acting according to the will of the people. Maybe we should have elections more often. It is obvious the Greens and others don't like democracy.

odo: << so what do you call people who arrive on SIEVs (Suspected Illegal Entry Vessel) ? >>

Asylum seekers.

<< You're arguing against the use of a term that has become Australian slang >>

Yes, just like terms like "coon", "boong", "slopehead" etc, it's a term that's used by the ignorant and hateful to vilify and discredit members of marginalised minority groups. Like those terms, tolerant, informed and reasonable people don't use it.

<< CJ linking to getup - really, might as well link to Andrew Bolt. Just as credible. >>

Hardly. The GetUp fact sheet links to many external references to support the information it presents. Bolt just defecates through his keyboard.

Here's the relevant rebuttal from the fact sheet to your odious and erroneous use of the pejorative term "illegal immigrants":

<< Myth 6 – Asylum seekers are "illegal immigrants"

Under the Refugee Convention, which Australia has signed, all people have the right to seek asylum in Australia.22 They may be found to be genuine refugees, and they may not – but seeking asylum is not illegal under Australian law or international law. The term "illegal immigrant", just like the term "queue jumper", is designed to make asylum seekers seem alien and unworthy of sympathy. >>

Some information with regards the term illegal immigrant:

"Australia's migration system is based on control over who is allowed to enter Australia through a visa system. Anyone who is not an Australian citizen must hold a valid visa to be legally in Australia.

The terminology for people who are neither Australian citizens nor the holders of valid visas has changed regularly. At various times, such people have been prohibited non-citizens, illegal immigrants and illegal aliens. Under the present legislation, the terminology used is unlawful non-citizen.

A person can become an unlawful non-citizen either by entering Australia without a visa or by remaining in Australia when they no longer possess a visa, either because it has expired or been cancelled."

http://www.beyderwellen.com/immigration-practice-areas/unlawful.htm#overview

So until they are granted asylum, they are unlawful non citizen, or in common parlance illegal immigrants. Notably the crew driving the ship have the boat confiscated and serve 5-10yrs in jail for their public service.

So jjplug, with your racist and bigoted diatribe perhaps you should take your own bit for Australia and emigrate.