I find the article the assumptions and the diabolically disingenuous Author both offensive and objectionable!

I see no valid reason to not show uninvited guest the door, whenever they try to force an outcome via organised criminal cardres! Or play the race or religion card?

Moreover, the patently vexatious, mischievous claim that we're cruel or searching for alternative cruelties, is the most arrogant, willful slander, I've been exposed to through the course of this ongoing online debate!

Which rather than pricking my conscience or arousing my empathy, is instead, hardening my represented resolve to keep this particular door permanently closed!

That said, I believe we ought to try to reopen the Malaysia regional solution. Which was hardly cruel in any sense of the word or intent!

Another perhaps more cost effective option, is to finance the return of economic migrants into some form of private enterprise endeavour, (a deep sea going fishing boat, a modest farm replete with oxen and plough, a corner store etc.) in their country of origin?

How can we be so cruel? We are terrible people, spending many billions keeping these folk far safer and more comfortable than the places they claim they are escaping from!
Alan B.

They never "stopped the boats", Fuhrer Abbott made sure of that via his mates Rupert, Lindsay and Co, who were gagged from reporting on the true numbers of arrivals. Why then would they need to build another DC across the harbour from Lombrum (1600 + beds) at Mokerang (3000 beds)? NORFORCE, Customs & RAAF were subjected to cut backs on their funding to man flights and patrols as far back as 2008 - 09 which reduced the actual detection and interdiction of SIEVs..et voila the famous line - "We have stopped the boats !"

Barnett is weasel of the kind that converted the Coalition to socialism. He can 'welcome' who he likes with total impunity as 'nothing much' state premier who has absolutely nothing to do with immigration, legal or illegal.

The Refugee Convention 1951, is a total joke in modern times. Introduced to aid misplaced persons after World WarII, it is completely irrelevant to the rorting of today. There has been some minor fiddling at the edges, but the Convention has been misinterpreted now by nitwits and emoters. War or conflict in a country does not entitle citizens of that country to seek asylum. This 'fleeing from death, torture or tinea', is a load of old backsides. 99.9% of the citizens of wartorn countries remain in situ and learn how to live with the situation. These 'refugees' are manipulators, crooks and users, playing on the emotional weakness of the silly, guilt- ridden white man, trying to get a better life by bludging off the softies prepared to be duped - and those of us who are not duped but have had our freedom to object crushed.

Heard Island and the McDonald Islands are an uninhabited Australian territory 4100kms south west of Perth.
We should build a detention facility there, as well as Federal prison for the worst criminals and terrorists and also politicians that act against Australian interests.

What a great idea Armchair.
They can even be entertained with the display from the volcano on Heard.
Actually Detention Centre is a misnomer, the inmates are not detained
they can leave today if they wish with some of our money in their pockets.

They could return to their own countries no matter what the state of
things are there. Even the Syrians could go back to some parts of their
country and help rebuild the place instead of hanging off Australia's teat.

It has been a con for far too long !

I went Heard Island in 1997 and saw first hand an old abandoned fishing/whaling station, just perfect for those currently on Manus and Nauru.

A few bob to fix it up a bit and a few new Nissan huts and some cold clime seeds and we can wash our hands of all these troublemakers.

Problem solved!