Dear Poirot,

Thank You for your kind words.

Australia today is a gathering of many cultures,
and this is one of the most unique and rewarding aspects
of living in Australia. The nature of being Australian
is to be part of this rich diversity. The wide and varied
gathering of "identities" is in keeping with the sense
of potential and openness so many people enjoyed on
coming here. I feel privileged not only to have been
able to make a home here but also to have found my
own sense of belonging.

Now back to the topic. Australia has also become home to
thousands of asylum seekers, most of whom had no option
but to leave their countries of origin. The current
problem that the country is facing will hopefully be
resolved before long. And before many more die at sea.
It's time politics was put aside and all parties came
together with an acceptable and humane solution.

See you on another thread.

Well whodathunk diplomacy could trump chest-beating?

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-18/indonesia-to-change-visa-requirements-for-iranians/4829434

@Poirot (and similar minded apologists)

<<Well whodathunk diplomacy could trump chest-beating?>>

Well what is the bet that Iranian economic migrants, stopping over in Indonesia, will hereafter will simply buy an other-country passport (an easy as pie, I'm told) and present as Pakistanis, Saudis or the like.

The patient needs an amputation--not a band-aide solution!

Any takers?

Poirot; Rudd is making an effort to bring what is a terrible humanitarian problem under control, through the proper diplomatic processes. Unfortunately our conservative opposition views asylum seekers as a expendable commodity to be exploited for political gain. The Abbott mantra of "I'll turn back the boats" is designed to divide society (voters) with an eye to winning the next election. Since when have conservative politicians and their supporters had any regard for people, not in my life time.

"will simply buy an other-country passport (an easy as pie, I'm told)" SPQR who told you that, ya Mum?

@Paul 1405,

<< our conservative opposition views asylum seekers as a expendable commodity to be exploited for political gain>>

Arn't you getting your conservatives and your Greens mixed-up?
It's the Greens who are using "asylum seeking" as a political commodity and ploy.

I'll seen you write before that you were in favour of curbing the boaties (and, nice guy that I am, I graciously let it pass without pulling you up)but it can't be right, can it?

I mean any genuine Greenie --one who has actually read/digested their platform -- could NOT possibly pretend to be in favour of curbing boaties!

Or, are you one of those many Greens who really has little idea about the implications of their Green party's platform?

<<will simply buy an other-country passport (an easy as pie, I'm told)" SPQR who told you that, ya Mum?>>

A myriad of sources --some of whom had availed of the services.

I darnt, have asked your mum --if you are a product of her home schooling --her knowledge base must be in a sorry state.

SPQR; It is not the policy of The Greens to encourage people to risk their lives in leaky boats to seek asylum. If you can find any reference in the following policy encouraging people to do so please let me know.
http://greens.org.au/policies/immigration-refugees

In part it reads;
Greatly enhanced regional cooperation in the Asia-Pacific to provide safer pathways for asylum seekers, with long-term planning to accommodate people displaced by on-going conflicts and climate change.

A bit more of a detailed policy than Abbotts one liner policy of "I'll turn back the boats."
Abbott has used the issue for political advantage.