Philip you did not quote the punch line.
The deal is as you say, they get sent to Malaysia in exchange for refugees that have already been processed, but by being sent to Malaysia they go to the back of the waiting list to be processed. In the meantime they have risked their lives on a leaky boat which cost all of their money, believed to be 10,000 $. So they should have gone to malaysia, or stayed in malaysia until they were processed. Plenty of venture but no gain.

Foyle, I have few arguments about that, but there is a huge difference between a good plan, and a well implemented plan.

This is where I have the problem and, while not being capable of doing something is not a crime, going ahead, despite advice to the contrary is, and it cost young lives.

In fact, had the likes of the PM been company directors, i have little doubt they would have faced serious charges, based on criminal negligence.

rehctub
I agree. The democratic process does need to be strengthened beyond the election cycle every four years.

The idea of a referendum on issues is a good one but in that there has to be some care on how referenda are presented. The Republic referendum is an example where the wording was manipulated toward a certain outcome.

In the ACT the citizens voted twice against self-government and in the end it was forced upon us.

The idea that we should hold government to account is one thing, the idea that people can actually have a greater say is even better despite some of the flaws of democracy. The alternative is worse.

The idea that people are too dumb for better democracy is a furphy. There is a difference between dumbing down and inherent human potential for sound reasoning and comprehension given different conditions.

579 Here is the flaw in your comments "Malaysia and Indonesia DO NOT give them anything not 1cent we give them everything for nothing."
They do not have unlimited funds so they can't afford to stay in those countries for say a year or so. If they are caught there they have to also pay bribes to not be caught. There are lots they have to work many hours a day for food and lodging only NO money.

If they hadn't paid 10,000 to get on a leaky boat they would have had plenty of money.

579 - from info on a tv doco a lot borrow the money or a relative in Australia pays.