I can think of a solution to this problem which won't cost a cent, pull out of the treaty on refugees, egalitarianism is an archaic and anachronistic worldview, it's based on the world as it was in the 18th century, not as it is now.

OK geniuses, how much do we pay Malaysia?

Under what programs is the money spent?

That is, who gets the money we spend on Malaysia?

Bugsy,

How dare you come here and point out the minor detail that Malaysia isn't an Aus aid recipient...at least it doesn't seem so from this:

http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/by%20Subject/1301.0~2012~Main%20Features~Where%20we%20give%20aid~218

Aid to Malaysia stopped around 2010 - 2011 except for a small amount in around 2012 training 60 or so teachers.

Sorry Rechtub!
But lets leave out the screaming and talk sense.
We both want the boats stopped.
So only in passing will I mention it is not Malaysia but INDONESIA who will not let the boats be towed back, or turned around in their waters.
It is and always was no chance.
We do not want war with three hundred million on our very door step, or do we?
Now the impending election of a coalition government, will stop half to three quarters of the boats dead! believe me it will be so.
BUT for the exact reason the Malaysian solution would have worked.
People under stand Labor is softer than Liberals, no soft touch says the cash spent is too big a risk.
So? less boats.
Stand by! I honestly can think of nothing Abbott can do, that is not a regional solution.
So he may hide all current CLEARED refugees by letting them in.
Then go to Malaya and return saying he has got enough commitment to use that system.
I will get many grins , while not hiding my party got it wrong, out of seeing the fewer boats but knowing it is no easy task stopping them.
Stop them we must, no country can let others say who will migrate.
And no party can keep faith with tens of voters by seeing hundreds leave,ALP note.

You are all forgetting one fundamental fact.
Indonesia cannot refuse the entry of Indonesian flagged vessels !