Thirdly, surely the effort and money involved would be much better put into our offshore refugee program, in order to assist the most needy of refugees.

Ludwig: << There is another major question that I asked earlier that you haven't addressed - "...could you please tell me why you think our offshore system of refugee determination and acceptance is ‘inefficient and inhumane’…" >>

Bronwyn: "I’ve made this point before, but will repeat it. :) It’s inefficient in that it’s hugely expensive to be constantly transporting food and personnel via the four-hour plane trip needed to reach Christmas Island."

We have a miscommunication here. I'm talking about our offshore program. That is, as part of the UN effort, in centres on the other side of the world. Christmas Island is part of the 'onshore' debacle.

"I think we have about reached the stage we always do, Ludwig, where we will have to agree to disagree."

We've reached the point where the key question prevails....and remains unaddressed. And if it hasn't been addressed by this stage, it ain't gonna be.

That's extremely disappointing. Oh well, I gave it my best shot.

I'll set aside the comments on 'dog-whistling' and 'stalking' and say thankyou for an interesting exchange.

What did I say about bigger ships ?
I see the one taken in bt the Indonesians is significantly larger than
the fishing boats from Indonesia.
It needs to be of course because it has come from Sri Lanka.

How long before we see small freighters from the Middle East when the
word gets back about the Indonesian actions, or from China.

It just makes business sense, they could then just sail into Sydney Harbour,
just like they sailed into New York harbour or the Italian Ports.

Bazz, you are not the first to raise the issue of larger boats.

In previous discussions, I offered to charter the Queen Mary,
for it would be a safe ship with no leaks!

What our OLO tear jerker mob refuse to concede, is how confusing
to people, our present policy really is. One moment we offer
them first prize of a cushy Aussie lifestyle if they sail over
the line, next minute the Govt has their ships pulled up by
Indonesia, to prevent them sailing here. Hardly logical policy!

But if we raise these issues, we must "hate people" and similar
drivel.

The fact that the present policy is unfair, confusing, wastes
huge amounts of resources, clearly goes over their heads.

"One moment we offer them first prize of a cushy Aussie lifestyle if they sail over the line, next minute the Govt has their ships pulled up by Indonesia, to prevent them sailing here. Hardly logical policy!"

Yes Yabby, it is quite bizarre.

At least Rudd is taking a harder line, and making it known that he will take the hardest line necessary. It's almost as though he has realised his mistake in loosening border security, but is totally reluctant to admit it in any way, and will now do whatever it takes while leaving that silly policy intact.

I get the feeling that he doesn't really know what he's doing.

"...if we raise these issues, we must "hate people" and similar drivel."

Yep. If we simply raise these issues we get accused of being refugee haters, misanthropes, etc, by the true haters and intolerants, a la Morgan and Fracco.

"The fact that the present policy is unfair, confusing, wastes huge amounts of resources, clearly goes over their heads."

Absolutely.