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The Forum > Article Comments > 78 people in a leaking boat ... > Comments

78 people in a leaking boat ... : Comments

By Crispin Hull, published 11/11/2009

The 47,000 people overstaying their visas do not make for dramatic news pictures.

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*I also said it wasn't clear whether it's the fairest way of doing things.*

RobP, what I'd say is that it's clear that its very unfair!

* How do you pick between them? Because the numbers are such that you can't take them all.*

Given the humanitarian nature of the programme, stick to those
unable to help themselves due to being refugees, then even picking
straws would be fairer then selecting by a boat race, for those
with money.

*There are 1000 boat people coming here per year *

Not quite correct. We've had 5-6000 in some years. It neeeded a
Pacific solution to keep numbers low, hardly a satisfactory
position and hardly resources spent effectively. Then we have
all these problems of encouraging people on one hand, fighting
them off with sticks with the other. Hardly logical policy.

*My approach is a mixture of justice and realism which is where we differ.*

Err hang on there. I think that the points I am making are
very realistic. You can't really claim that the present debacle
is a satisfactory solution
Posted by Yabby, Wednesday, 9 December 2009 7:52:16 AM
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>>Err hang on there. I think that the points I am making are very realistic.<<

Realistic for the future perhaps - we'll have to see what happens.

>>You can't really claim that the present debacle is a satisfactory solution.<<

It's not perfect, but what's the alternative? Go back to the Pacific Solution (or worse) and be very harsh on a very few people, or share the pain around by everyone taking the rough with the smooth like is happening now? One way or another all people end up taking the rough with the smooth (look at Tiger Woods - angel one day, bad guy the next). So, the question is how to make the change. I prefer a more gradual approach.
Posted by RobP, Wednesday, 9 December 2009 8:50:53 AM
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For those interested, if you can still obtain a copy, last weekend's
Weekend Australian magazine, contains an extensive report of the
African boat trade, where an estimated 20'000 people have lost their
lives in the last decade, trying to make it to Europe.

Most are economic migrants, who want a rich European life, at
seemingly any cost. It might just open your eyes and to me its
certainly yet one more reason, why the UN 1951 Convention can be
shown to be out of date and due for a major overhaul and update.
Posted by Yabby, Tuesday, 15 December 2009 11:30:55 PM
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We seem to be overlooking a very significant point here. The time wont be far off when because of global warming our pacific neighbours will lose all their homes and will need to be resettled in new homes. I believe that we should be prepared and ready and willing to admit them into our fair land,Australia. We can do without these economic free loaders turning up making demands on us and modifications on our way of life and culture. We should get rid of this lot in preference to who will soon be needing to be resettled. We will receive them happily happily I believe.

After all, Australia is our land and we have the right to admit who we want. To hell with the unworkable UN Charter 51 or whatever it is called.

socratease
Posted by socratease, Wednesday, 16 December 2009 1:31:43 AM
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Before sea level rises cause extreme destruction to areas of nearby Pacific islands to the east of Australia, here's a plan to relocate those who are unable to move to other parts of their homeland:

1. The Commonwealth will establish an arrangement with the governments of threatened Pacific islands closest to Australia for the orderly reception of those who will become displaced.

2. Through cooperative arrangements with the States, the Commonwealth will designate culturally appropriate enclaves where displaced populations will initially be housed, with provision for ongoing health, welfare, education and employment.
Posted by native, Wednesday, 16 December 2009 11:16:54 AM
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