We could manage our "refugee problem" much better by identifying jobs that simply do not exist under current local pay rates, but which would exist at the rates paid in the refugee source country, and then stipulate that those are the only jobs the queue jumpers can hold.

For example, we have millions of hectares of weed infestation (on farms and in national parks) that costs us more than $4 billion a year in lost production. It is uneconomic to get rid of them at local pay rates so the jobs of clearing these weeds (by hand) do not, currently, exist. But even at 5 times the Iraqi, East Timorese or West Papuan pay rates, a whole new class of jobs would be created where the benefit would exceed the cost of weed eradication.

Such a program, tailored to the pay scales of the source country would go a very long way towards removing the economic refugees from the system. And who knows, our existing outrageously expensive refugee management systems could even be made to pay for itself.

Care would need to be taken to ensure that local pay scales are not undermined by category jumpers. But the local pay scales are already a privilege that is restricted to lawful Australian permanent residents only. We have no obligation to hand that privilege to non-citizens or those who have not been accepted for permanent residence.

Such a scheme will reduce the economic incentive, reduce the numbers of refugees, reduce the cost of surveilance, interdiction and detention, and provide a big economic and environmental benefit, to boot.

SHONGA, You are saying, ‘no room at the inn,’ or in other words , fix the huge problems that we have in Australia first, before you bring in more ‘dependants!’ I looked at working in the fruit bowl of North Qld.after our citrus season ended, in 1996, but I could not find anywhere to stay where I felt comfortable, safe, and affordable. If you are running for your life from a vicious mob, that Mr Tony Kevin, claims, assumably anywhere would be safe, than being brutally killed by these Javanese Indonesians. As I see it, they are either legitimately seeking refuge, or just a ploy for unskilled workers to come in to Work at the many jobs that are available here in Australia, where they can be trained, thus jumping the que. That others have done before, but I do not see how they should be ‘kept,’ so let those who want them here.Put the money forward, i.e. sponsor them. Put up, or shut up.

Proud to be Indonesian, why do Muslims WANT to come to the west to live when their hatred for the lifestyle, traditions and beliefs is so patent? As is yours.Why the massive attempt to go to countries that are totally opposite to Muslim religious ways?
I would like your answer please.
Arjay and Boaz are quite correct. We can no longer afford to accept immigrants at face value, there must be standards set and means of proof of identity be required.
Multiculture must be recognised for the abject failure it is and migration made far more selective if we want to go on with a peaceful, progressive country and not become another backwater of tribal warfare.

For all of Howard's faults, Beazley is far worse. Did you see his comments criticising Australia for the breakdown in relations with Indonesia over the Papuan refugees? He wants more grovelling to Indonesia -not less. And therefore presumably more Australians in Indonesian jails guilty or not, more "cultural relativism" on human rights and a DFAT override on DIMIA refugee decisions. The man's a disgrace!

LOL I am not a Muslim. Unfortunately, Middle East is filled with abusive dictatorial regimes, and many are engulfed in war. That's why so many Mid-East Muslims immigrated to all parts of relatively-prosperous Western world, including Australia.

Poor old Davo and Keith..NAUGHTY boys ! :) off to the sin bin with you.. grr...

Scout.. well said..

Stewth.. *groan*..same old

Perseus.. interesting thought.. about pay rates.. but I often think how great it would be to have a special economic zone around Darwin, utilizing cheaper labor from Indonesia.. paying them like 3 times what they would get there.. and still not being costly. They could be provided opportunities for growing vegies etc.. as well as work..but hey.. we both know that UNIONS would rather see the country die first..oops.. correction.. 'all industries BUT those which are huge, crucial, and suitable for industrial blackmail' like construction.... the rest can goto hell as far as many Union leaders are concerned.
(Doug Cameron a notable exception. Onya Doug !)

So, one can understand the Coalitions desire to weaken Union power to the point where they can actually TAKE some creative steps to keep this sinking country afloat.

But....I digress..back to the topic. Indonesia could to MANY things to annoy us.... the people smuggler point is one well noted. This is also the 'asian way'...not to state things in a 'spade a spade' manner.. they like discreet subtle moves.

I believe our best solution to this, is to simply (but quietly) emphasise to Indo that the problem would dissappear if they did the following:

1/ Stopped the transmigration of Muslims
2/ Gave a greater share of mineral wealth back to the province.

I don't have a problem with Indonesia ruling Irian Jaya.. I just have a problem with anyone ruling unjustly, or in a culturally genocidal manner.
Of course, if Strewth reads this he will be on me like a pit bull on a Chiwahwa yelling 'HIPOCRITE' about the Israelies..but thats another story :)