Dear Shadow Minister,

You must be fully aware that there was a lull in
world conflict for a time - and therefore less refugees
travelled by boat. Then conflicts once again
escalated. What I don't understand is the time that is
spent arguing about a few thousand "boat people," and
no discussion about the tens of thousands of people that
arrive here by plane - and stay "illegally."

This has been happening under all governments and it's
a problem that will remain no matter which government is
in power.

According to Mr Abbott we have two choices. Sink the boats
before they get here or take them back to Indonesia and
create a major enemy on our door-step.

Forget Nauru - because that cost us a fortune. And I'm sure
it's not in Mr Abbott's budget - for the next election.

Lexi,

What I see is a small decrease in fighting corresponding to a few % drop in the refugees to other countries, whilst this compares to a 96% drop in the people coming to Aus.

Reinstating TPVs will also help stop those coming by air. This is something the government can do NOW.

Dear Shadow Minister,

I'm surprised that you brought up the subject
of TPVs, Former Liberal MP Bruce Baird, speaking
on ABC radio a while back stated - "It's not on
to bring back TPVs. We've moved on as a country.
We've recognised the injustice of the previous
system and that's the way it should be."

The only one suggesting bringing back TPVs, apart
from yourself - is Malcolm Turnbull.

The general consensus seems to be that -
particularly moderates in the party would find it
unacceptable.

@Lexi,

<< There's been a series of allegations in the media…>>

Face it Lexi, the system is full of holes. The only ones who don’t seem to know are a few diehard Labor and Green supporters.

<< As for the Christmas Island and other riots - the following link may clarify a few things for you>>

NOT A WHIT! The article clarifies nothing.
It has now been over 12 months and there have been a number of repeat incidents.Yet Chris Bowen is still making noises about getting tough.
What a joke!

There was a report on Channel Nine’s Current Affair about a month ago.
One of the rioters had thrown a kettle of scalding water over a guard seriously injuring him.The guard identified the culprit –yet the court still saw fit not to convict him. The offender has now been released into the community –that’s us getting tough!

<< ASIO had conducted and what were the results
of those checks. His reply was that ASIO had checked close
to 6,000 ( at that time), of whom not a single one presented
a security risk.>>

Unless the individuals are high profile terrorist operatives ASIO will find little.All of the 911 terrorists entered the US openly and legally.

Likewise, ASIO found no fault with the young Somalis who legal entered OZ. Then went back to Somalis to fight for al-Shabaab!

"Tony Eastley: A religious scholar claims young Somali-Australians, who've gone to Somalia to fight with the terrorist group al-Shebaab, have returned and are living in Australia."
http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2009/s2693680.htm

Dear SPQR,

I've really not got much more to add to this
complex issue - except to say that if New Zealand
can process people humanely and quickly -
perhaps we need to look at what they're doing
and try it here.

What I don't like is the politicisation of the
misery of people seeking to escape persecution
and war being exploited by political parties
in the interests of winning government.

See you on another thread.

Lexi,

It has been one of the main planks of the coalition's illegal immigration policy. TPV's give those deemed to need protection asylum, but prevents them from travelling back to their homelands from where they have just fled (as so many do) and from bringing in family members, which encourages parents to put their unaccompanied children on the boats.