Ou-wah, Lexi, now you’ve gone and done it.

<<our Medicare System, and our Healthcare, as well as our working conditions.… Perhaps that's the reason so many want to come here.>>

If they were/are coming to OZ for the aforementioned benefits they would not be “refugees” would they?

In fact, that is what most of the posters on the nay side have been saying for a long time: they ARE primarily attracted by our affluence.

Now poor old Paul 1405 will be penciling you down as just another racist redneck fish-paper reader –you can kiss goodbye to any likelihood of an invite to his Christmas bash this year!

I am to make a suggestion that is going to raise shock and horror!

Detention as we have is inhumane. Undoubtedly, many will agree with me.

During WWII many fled their own countries invaded by nazis. Indeed, many fled to enlist in foreign armies to fight Hitler. My father was one such person. These people were well respected and valued contingents.

Undoubtedly, many coming to our shores feel the same way about seeing their own country freed. Perhaps those of arms-bearing age could be conscripted and trained and sent home, as special contingents. Knowing the terrain and language, they would be invaluable. Importantly, they could replace some of our troops, which very few people want to see there.

I would not, however, suggest that they be given only six-weeks basic training as our men were before being sent to fight a professional and extremely well-trained army in New Guinea during WWII.

An interesting idea, Danielle,

Some variation of this is worth considering if we can work out the details, however:

1. <<Detention as we have is inhumane. Undoubtedly, many will agree with me.>>
2. <<Perhaps those of arms-bearing age could be conscripted and...>>

Conscription is at least as inhumane as detention.

Danielle - What are you smoking?

Quote "Perhaps those of arms-bearing age could be conscripted" This must be a joke these cowards left there family behind supposedly to escape terror and torture etc and you expect them to go back.

Remember 95% that arrive here are men BUT in Africa and Syria and other conflict zones it is WOMEN & CHILDREN or whole families. We get economic cowards.

Quote "Detention as we have is inhumane" THEY GET much more than the tent and some food and water that the UN give other refugees.
If they don't like it BAD LUCK they can go home or stop in one of the many safe countries they were in before they got to Australia.

Indonesia has over 100,000 refugees there trying to get to Australia Malaysia has more than that both countries GIVE THEM NOTHING NOT ONE CENT that is why they come here Economic welfare for lifers.

Danielle,

<<Undoubtedly, many coming to our shores feel the same way about seeing their own country freed. Perhaps those of arms-bearing age could be conscripted and trained and sent home, as special contingents. Knowing the terrain and language, they would be invaluable. Importantly, they could replace some of our troops, which very few people want to see there>>

The wall-to-wall human rights bodies that we’ve inflicted on ourselves would not let you get to first base on that one.

However, even if we were to fudge it, there is every likelihood that once put in that position our "refugees" would suddenly discover they have a lot in common with "the enemy" and swap sides.

You are right, of course. What do you suggest other than detention?

Perhaps many would be more than willing to form a contingent, train, and return home.

However, I firmly believe that those who wish to come to Australia receive English lessons, are trained in some skill (if they have none), and importantly be educated in our value system. If they must be detained, they should be educated there. We don't want them to suffer culture shock!

Interesting to note, that many men who come with their families enjoy a freedom and democracy unheard of in their own countries. Unfortunately, however, this so often doesn't extend to their womenfolk and daughters, who remain in the same controlled and parlous state they were prior to coming here. Somehow, this picture does not seem right.

Many trumpet freedom for asylum seekers ... male asylum seekers only, it seems.

When such people advocate, indeed, fight for the rights of these women, I will believe them to be sincere.