Shadow, here is a link on Juan Mendez, so you can read up on his credentials on matters relating to human rights, and compare them to your man Abbott's CV on such. Me thinks no contest.

http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/Torture/SRTorture/Pages/JuanMendez.aspx

Paul1405, while I agree that the Report was a beat up & Politically motivated, I do feel that compared to the UNCHR camps they are "Hilton Hotels." The Refugees feel that it is beneath them to do the Basic Hygiene & keep the place clean themselves. Why should the Security Services have to bring in cleaners? Is it because these people have no sense of Basic Cleanliness.

Personally I feel that the Camps are none of Australia's business. It's the job of the UNCHR to look after Refugees. Why is it that the UNCHR doesn't? Is it because it no longer recognizes them as being genuine Refugees?

I feel that Australia should dump them into the UNCHR's lap. Let them deal with the Refugees. Australia could just have an Office there for clearing those that may qualify.

And again, personally I feel that no moslems should be considered for entry into Australia because of the terror risk. Things like the latest failed case. Screwing your cousin then having the brothers trying to kill you, isn't a terror threat.Just because there is fighting in your Country isn't either. Having your Government pursue you for terrorist attacks you have committed isn't either.

Just because they are Refugees doesn't make them Asylum Seekers.

Paul1405,

You put far too much emphasis on the status of his position, which is more honorary than active in that he definitely could not exercise any of the decision-making role of a CEO of western private or public agencies. Juan Mendez is constrained to represent the majority view of the member states, some of which have considerable form, which has already been explained by another poster.

Paul,

Triggs was not attacked primarily for the report she produced, but for the partisan way she approached the timing of the investigation, which if implemented in 2013 would have deeply embarrassed labor months before an election. Triggs is not the only activist that remained silent for nearly 2 years while 1200 died and sprung into action when the problem was being solved.

As for Juan Mendez, I have no doubt that his credentials in the fight against human rights abuses is exemplary. However, anyone that puts out a report with UNCHR's stamp on it that consists entirely of activists input (with clear vested interests and spotty records) deserves to have his credibility questioned.

As for the comparison between labor and liberals the score is 1200+ to 2 dead and 2000 to 200 kids in detention.