Sancho,

"A poll by Australia's Sky TV News Friday found 83 percent of Australia's believe the country's border protection policy should now be hardened in the wake of the boat people deaths."

http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/world/5505208
http://www.roymorgan.com/news/polls/2002/3506/

In spite of all your crowing I have yet to see any independent survey to indicate that Australians want the policy relaxed. The posts you show a slim majority don't feel that tightening them is necessary.

Your link to an ALP media statement is what? unbiased indication that the ALP is doing a great job? Pathetic.

I have to admit, ever since the Tampa affair, I have been disagreeably surprised that so many Australians, sons and daughters of ANZACS, should be so panty wetting terrified of a handful of refugees in leaky boats.
What is it you are so afraid of?
I guarantee in no time at all they will be indoctrinated into our precious culture, swigging stubbies, barbying prawns and looking forward to the long weekend like the best of us.
And if not them, certainly their children.
I suggest we reduce our migrant intake (which depresses demand for skilled workers, and pay increases) and increase our refugee intake -just because it is the right thing to do.