"BTW - The evidence has been provided by witnesses that it did happen. The Indonesians have proof." - Foxy

Showing a table full of American $100 bills is not proof. In fact there are now allegations Indonesian official took briefs from the smugglers. Who can you trust in Indonesia with any certainty?

The recent mass murderer in South Carolina was arrested, there is a living eye witness to the crime, yet the news is calling him the alleged murderer.

Oh come on Conservative Hippie, you must be very naive if you think there is no truth to this story.
If it was false, the PM would be falling over himself to get to a microphone to deny it.
But he is being very secretive and hesitant about comments on this issue, which says it all.
The news reporters would not all be carrying on about these Government payments to people smugglers unless there was some truth in it either.

If, as the PM and his besties are muttering, that there has been 'nothing illegal' done by the Government in this matter, then why not explain to the Australian people exactly what has been done? This rubbish about it being an operational matter is wearing a bit thin now.

Dear ConservativeHippie,

Are you serious?

A Prime Minister's illegal actions cannot be compared
to an American President's birth-certificate.

You surely jest.

"A Prime Minister's illegal actions cannot be compared to an American President's birth-certificate."

Both men are Leaders of their country, both accused of something they don't feel deserves ongoing discussion.

In what way do you see no relevance?

A.J. PHILIPS...

I've told you previously, I don't like you very much. I don't like the arrogant style in which you've hitherto prosecuted your opinion. Simply put young fellow, I don't like 'know all's', nor do I have any regard for your chosen metier. Having witnessed and heard some of the aberrant nonsense emanating from one of your more 'celebrated' colleagues, none other than that eminent Professor, Paul WILSON, Chair of Criminology, Bond University, I've had more than my fill of your nebulous vocation.

Interestingly, Prof. WILSON (complete with gold earring, now aged 60+?) had been waxing lyrically about one particularly (notorious) crook that I'd previously arrested, and for whom, I'd been case officer. A miscreant that I know very well indeed. Prof. WILSON was so 'far off' with his analysis and the real facts, concerning this bloke and his violent crimes, it was breathtaking ? My only relief came, with the realisation the good Professor was still ensconced in Queensland, hopefully he would remain there until his retirement ?

If the funds were paid it was done by Australian spies who are exempt from the law. The Prime Minister did not personally hand over the money, if it was even done, and if our spies did it then nothing illegal happened. Spies don't ring the PM to ask if they can get on with the job.

Why do you insist our PM committed an illegal activity?

I realise you really want to pin something on Abbott but this issue really is a flea on an elephant.

And, why aren't you showing any concern that it is likely the Labor Government did something similar while they were running the country.

It seems you have got a very selective interpretation of Right and Wrong. Right is always wrong and Left is always right, right?