Asylum seeker boats..... Support or send back?

[bootyinblue]

But if it wasnt on here you would not have had the opportunity to vent your voice.

[rayke1938]

But you could also say it all here.

http://www.politicalforum.com/australia/

And guess what they already have a thread on this subject and every other one that you can think of.

http://www.politicalforum.com/australia/254071-asylum-seekers-should-we-shouldnt-we.html

I think they even may have one if Jords is allowed to ear pink. :sick:

Cheers

Ray

[tiotony]

Just found out we're getting a medal for anybody whose done the whole supposed asylum seeker apprehension thing, operations Relex, Resolute etc. Supposedly to improve morale in the ADF. Wouldn't have stopped me from getting out when I did 3 years ago. Ridiculous, obviously some who are NOT Patrol boat sailors have been bleating about how hard done by they are, Cairns and Darwin based Patrol boats have been doing the same job for decades.

Its going to be a clasp on the Australian Service Medal, don't know what writing is going to be on it, "trolling for green jobfish at Ashmore Reef" maybe?

[rayke1938]

Have a read of this from the edmund rice centre.

View Document

List Documents | Print

Description :

This includes both Debunking the Myths About Asylum Seekers and Debunking More Myths About Asylum Seekers.

Full Text :

These two Just Comments received widespread publicity and distribution in the wake of the Tampa being intercepted in August 2001, and the subsequent politicisation of refugee and asylum seeker issues. They are included here together as one publication, and below as a single list.

Myth 1 - Boat People are Queue Jumpers

Fact: In Iraq and Afghanistan, there are no queues for people to jump. Australia has no diplomatic representation in these countries and supports the International coalition of nations who continue to oppose these regimes and support sanctions against them. Therefore, there is no standard refugee process where people wait in line to have their applications considered. Few countries between the Middle East and Australia are signatories to the 1951 Refugee Convention, and as such asylum seekers are forced to continue to travel to another country to find protection.

People who are afraid for their lives are fleeing from the world's most brutal regimes including the Taliban in Afghanistan and Sadaam Hussein's dictatorship in Iraq. Antonio Domini, Head of UN Humanitarian Program in Afghanistan, states that Afghanistan is one of the most difficult places in the world in which to survive.

Myth 2 - Asylum Seekers are Illegal

Fact: This is untrue. Under Australian Law and International Law a person is entitled to make an application for refugee asylum in another country when they allege they are escaping persecution. Article 14 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that 'Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution.'

People who arrive on our shores without prior authorisation from Australia, with no documents, or false documents are not illegal. They are asylum seekers - a legal status under International Law. Many Asylum Seekers are forced to leave their countries in haste and are unable to access appropriate documentation. In many cases oppressive authorities actively prevent normal migration processes from occurring. 'Illegals' are people who overstay their visas. The vast majority of these in Australia are from western countries, including 5,000 British tourists.

Myth 3 - Australia Already Takes Too Many Refugees

Fact: Australia receives relatively few refugees by world standards. In 2001 Australia will receive only 12 000 refugees through its humanitarian program. This number has remained static for three years, despite the ever-increasing numbers of refugees worldwide. Australia accepted 20 000 refugees each year at the beginning of the 1980's.

According to Amnesty International 1 in every 115 people on earth are refugees, and a new refugee is created every 21 seconds. Refugees re-settle all over the world. However, the distribution of refugees across the world is very unequal.

Tanzania hosts one refugee for every 76 Tanzanian people (1:76)

Britain hosts one refugee for every 530 British people. (1:530)

Australia hosts one refugee for every 1583 Australian people. (1:1583)

Myth 4 - We're Being Swamped by Hordes of Boat People

Fact: 300 000 refugees arrived in Europe to seek asylum last year. In contrast, 4174 reached Australia by boat or plane. In 2000, Iran and Pakistan each hosted over a million Afghan refugees. The real burden of assisting refugees is borne in the main by the world's poorest nations.

Myth 5 - They're Not Real Refugees Anyway

Fact: 97% of applicants from Iraq and 93% of applicants from Afghanistan seeking asylum without valid visas in Australia in 1999 were recognised as genuine refugees. Therefore, under Australian law they were found to be eligible to stay in Australia. Generally, 84% of all asylum seekers are found to be legitimate refugees and are able to stay in Australia.

Myth 6 - They Must Be 'Cashed up' to Pay People Smugglers

Fact: It is alleged that people who have the resources to pay people smugglers could not possibly be genuine refugees. The UNHCR disputes claims about 'cashed up' refugees saying that payments made to people smugglers in fact range from 00 - 00 AUD. In reality, many families and communities pool their resources in an attempt to send their relatives to safety. People smuggling is a crime that the international community needs to combat. However, this does not negate the legitimacy of asylum seekers' claims, nor their need to seek refuge. The international community, in eradicating people smuggling, is also required to address the growing numbers of asylum seekers throughout the world. As a Western nation, Australia has a role to play.

Myth 7 - There is no Alternative to Mandatory Detention

Fact: Asylum seekers claims need to be assessed for legitimacy. Australia is the only Western country that mandatorily detains asylum seekers whilst their claims are being heard. Asylum seekers are not criminals and detention should be minimal. At a cost of 4 a day per head the policy of detention is very expensive. Community based alternatives to mandatory detention can be found internationally and within the current Australian parole system.

A select Committee of the NSW Parliament has costed alternatives to incarceration including home detention and transitional housing. The average cost of community based programs are (per person, per day): Parole: .39. Probation: .94. Home Detention: .83. These options are clearly more economically efficient, and much more humane.

Sweden receives similar numbers of asylum seekers as Australia, despite having less than half the population. Detention is only used to establish a persons identity and to conduct criminal screening. Most detainees are released within a very short time, particularly if they have relatives or friends living in Sweden. Of the 17,000 asylum seekers currently in Sweden 10,000 reside outside the detention centres. Children are only detained for the minimum possible time (a maximum of 6 days).

Myth 8 - If We Let Them In, They'll Take Our Benefits

Fact: A common misconception is that refugees arriving in Australia will 'steal' the entitlements of Australians. The reality is that refugees, like migrants, create demand for goods and services, thus stimulating the economy and generating growth and employment. A recent UCLA study has shown that unauthorised immigration boosts the US economy by 0 billion per year.

Myth 9: Australia is second only to Canada in the number of refugees it takes

Fact: This is incorrect. This claim is based on the fact that Australia is one of only eight countries whose immigration program actually specifies an annual quota of refugees and at 12,000 Australia's quota is the second highest on a per capita basis. However, as UNHCR reports indicate, many more than eight countries take refugees and asylum seekers - but unlike Australia they do not set a fixed number.

These are the facts:

71 countries accept refugees and asylum seekers in some form or other

Of the 71 Australia is ranked 32nd ;

On a per capita basis Australia is ranked 38th, slightly behind Kazakhstan, Guinea, Djibouti and Syria;

Of the 29 developed countries that accept refugees and asylum seekers Australia is ranked 14th. Per capita, the US takes twice as many refugees as Australia.

Myth 10: The people in the boats are terrorists

Fact: This is incorrect. Just 11 of more than 13,000 people who sought asylum in Australia last year were rejected on 'character grounds'. Only one was regarded as a security risk because of suspected terrorist links. He had come by air, not by boat. Government intelligence briefings concerning the threat of terrorist attacks have not mentioned asylum seekers. There remains no evidence that any asylum seekers currently arriving by boat have any connection to terrorism.

Those who perpetrated the September 11 attacks did not arrive in the United States as Asylum Seekers. They flew first class using valid papers. The people in the boats are fleeing from the terrorism of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan and Saddam Hussein's Iraq. Linking the atrocities in the United States with the boat people is akin to blaming the Jews for fleeing Hitler. People fleeing oppression have a right to claim asylum and have those claims assessed.

Myth 11: Refugees should stay in the first country they come to and 'join the queue'

Fact: Australia has not taken a single refugee from the UNHCR in Jakarta - from the so-called 'queue' - for more than three years. This is despite the rhetoric from Australian politicians for asylum seekers to be processed in Indonesia. It should also be noted that the UNHCR centre in Indonesia was set up by Australia with Indonesian support. Refugees cannot stay in Indonesia because Indonesia is not a signatory to the Refugee Convention. There is no requirement in international law for refugees to seek asylum in the first country they come to. Some developed countries have made this an additional requirement in order to avoid processing claims, leaving the large numbers of asylum seekers in camps in Third World countries. International law requires that asylum seekers should not be penalised according to the way in which they enter a country. Australia's current policy does not accord with this requirement.

Some people have given up on the 'queue' and resorted to coming by boat. 24 of those who recently died when their ship sank off the coast of Indonesia had already been granted refugee status by the UNHCR in Jakarta. Many more had relations in Australia who had been provided with asylum but were not allowed access to their wives and children. Simply, the 'queue' does not work.

Myth 13: Getting tough on refugees does not affect Australia's international reputation

Fact: The Australian Government's stance on boat people has attracted widespread international condemnation. The President of Pakistan recently claimed that he should not be forced to open the border to Afghanistan to allow in refugees because Pakistan already had 2.5 million refugees whilst Australia was turning away a few hundred. The Howard Government's policy represents a change in the Liberal party's position. In 1985 current Minister, Phillip Ruddock criticised the then Labor Government for reducing its intake of refugees from Vietnam. In 1998 the Government rejected Pauline Hanson's call for temporary visas to be given to all refugees. However, the Government later introduced a similar proposal for those arriving without valid papers. Ms Hanson also called for the use of the navy to repel boats coming to Australia in February this year, six months before the Tampa incident.

Myth 14: Australia is a 'soft touch'

Fact: Compared to other nations, Australia takes a hard-line approach to asylum seekers. All people are mandatorily detained. If successful they can only receive a 3-year temporary visa and cannot apply to have their families join them. The current policy has not stopped people coming. Asylum seekers come to Australia because they fear persecution. The numbers reflect the severity of the situation they are fleeing, not the policies of the countries they are fleeing to. The Minister for Immigration recently commented that the drowning deaths of over 350 people trying to get to Australia would not deter others. If such events do not deter people, the costly use of the Australian navy will not deter them either. The number of asylum seekers coming to Australia has increased since the Tampa. The current policy has been extremely costly. So far it is estimated it has cost this year's budget over 0 million in extra funding, bringing the total to 0million.

Myth 15: It is easier to get refugee status in Australia than overseas.

Fact: According to the UNHCR, the total acceptance rate for all asylum seekers in Australia is equivalent to other western countries. The Government has claimed that Australia cannot afford to allow asylum seekers to land in Australia because our court system enables asylum seekers to appeal within our court system and thereby gain easier access to refugee status. In contrast, they claim that only 10-15% of Iraqi asylum seekers are granted refugee status by the UNHCR in the Middle East, and similar results are found in Indonesia. UNHCR figures do not support this. They have approved over 77% of Iraqi asylum seekers processed in Indonesia. This does not include those who gain access through the UNHCR's appeal system.

Myth 16: People who destroy their identification can't be genuine

Fact: Most refugees are not able to travel through conventional channels because they cannot obtain a passport from the government that is persecuting them, or they are fleeing from. Identification documents enable not only Australian immigration officials to determine identity but also representatives of the regime people are fleeing. This places relatives within countries like Afghanistan and Iraq at risk. Moreover, people fleeing from political persecution are at greater risk within their own country if they can be identified when they are on the move.

Myth 17: Asylum seekers are 'ungrateful' and behave badly

Fact: There has been a series of allegations in the media since the Tampa incident concerning the 'behaviour' of asylum seekers. These claims have been continuously proven false. One newspaper reported that the violent activity of asylum seekers on board the Manoora led to a child having their arm broken. Defence Minister Peter Reith denied such reports. The Government has alleged that prior to being picked up by HMAS Adelaide refugees threw their children overboard. The Australian Navy's video of the incident shows that these allegations cannot be substantiated.

Myth 18: Detention centres are better than the countries they have left behind

Fact: The German Government recently condemned detention centres, comparing them to concentration camps. Many asylum seekers have been the victims of persecution in the countries they have fled. For many, Australian detention centres continue their persecution by removing many basic human rights and freedoms including access to families, and to the media. Adequate support services for the most basic of needs are limited. Constant surveillance, musters and other intrusive practices characterise people's daily lives. According to the Head of Psychiatry at Westmead Children's Hospital, a young child confined within a detention centre was recently diagnosed with an extreme form of depression, directly attributable to his confinement. This was not a one-off case. Many cases of severe depression have been reported.

Myth 19: Sending boat people to other countries solves Australia's asylum seeker problem

Fact: Australia pays for the processing of asylum seekers who are intercepted by the navy and then transported to other countries. Total bill for this policy is now 0 million, and rising. In contrast Iran receives million to process over two million refugees. Countries in the Pacific will not continue to accept asylum seekers coming to Australia. In the past Indonesia has accepted people for processing. However many nations, including Australia have refused to accept those who successfully receive refugee status. This has left the vast majority of asylum seekers in Indonesia indefinitely. Many in the Pacific fear the same will happen to them.

This material is the sole property of the Edmund Rice Centre for Justice & Community Education and the School of Education of the Australian Catholic University. Reproduction is not ordinarily permitted without the permission of these organisations, however, an exception has been made for this issue provided that acknowledgment is given.

[bootyinblue]

Interesting..... some I already knew, some I did not know, some I raised my eyebrows at, some I thought contradicted earlier 'facts', and others are just downright nonsence statements.

[tiotony]

Fact 1: only some supposed asylum seekers are from Iraq or Afganistan

Fact 2: Some supposed asylum seekers are VERY violent

Not for me to go into it here but I've got plenty of stories that would shock and make people cringe

[fishingnut]

Bit like the greens argument really lots of " facts " from there side and the REAL facts from people that have been there and seen it first hand like tony

[Bommie]

ask the detention centre guards

[ellicat]

The article is at least 11 years old, so some of the opinions, statistics and facts are well out of date.

[robin]

Fact 1: only some supposed asylum seekers are from Iraq or Afganistan

Fact 2: Some supposed asylum seekers are VERY violent

Not for me to go into it here but I've got plenty of stories that would shock and make people cringe

I have 2 friends that were asylum seekers and they are no problem..

Yes some are very violent, there are alot of Ausies that are Violent.

What about all the other races that come here legally and mummy and daddy buys them a super fast car, and they are always speeding.

I would like to send them back, but alot of them came here to escape from there current conditions.

There should be strict conditions and correct me if im wrong ok.

1:If they commit a crime and any crime, then send them back.

2:If they wont accept our culture then send them back.

3:If they wont mix with other Ausies and only mix with there own group, then not much use in staying here, send them back. - Its not easy to mix with locals, but if you try you will probley will end up mixing, but if you don't try then, you wont get the chance.

4:If they come here to bludge off our welfare system then send them back- There is heaps of work in the mines, and who knows some of them may create more jobs for everyone here.

5:If they wont respect our laws then send them back.

I guess the question is, how can our gov test this.

[tomca]

Citing random examples of difference does not change the fact that multiculturalism is an abject failure worldwide.

Have a look around Sunnybank, or if you are more adventurous go visit Bankstown Westfield on late night shopping.

We are many years behind Sydney in pandering to the minorities. There are KFC's down the that are halal only and refuse to accept your right to have bacon on your burger.

How's that for looking after human rights, when they can dictate what I eat at a chain store? Mine obviously don't matter as much as theirs.

[rayke1938]

How's that for looking after human rights, when they can dictate what I eat at a chain store? Mine obviously don't matter as much as theirs.

Bit like ordering pork chops in a Jewish Restaurant

or roast beef in a vegetarian one.

Cheers

Ray

[robin]

"Citing random examples of difference does not change the fact that multiculturalism is an abject failure worldwide.

Have a look around Sunnybank, or if you are more adventurous go visit Bankstown Westfield on late night shopping. "

My wife and I had abit of a talk about this, and its a fault on both ends, she was telling me that when she went to uni over here, none of the westerners would go near the chinese and other races and the same none of the other races would go near the westerners, (good thing i had a thing for asian girls haha).

I must admit that when i first started going out with my wife, there wernt many mixed couples, but that was 7 years ago, now mixed couples are everyware, and I find that all the mixed couples I see want to mix with other races not just there own.

The other thing is that we and them are different from each other, Malaysians are different from Honkies, and Honkies are different from China Chinese, and NSW people are different from QLD people.

Rather then generalize that sunnybank is multiculturalism failer, why not try to mix in with the other races and guarantee they will do the same. I don't consider it to be a failer, because I have seen that are comfy there, because they are not being stared at or judged.

[tomca]

How's that for looking after human rights, when they can dictate what I eat at a chain store? Mine obviously don't matter as much as theirs.

Bit like ordering pork chops in a Jewish Restaurant

or roast beef in a vegetarian one.

Cheers

Ray

Going to the halal chicken joint at stones corner, you are right. But greasy KFC is not a Muslim brand or meal, so no.

[rayke1938]

Going to the halal chicken joint at stones corner, you are right. But greasy KFC is not a Muslim brand or meal, so no.

I know that we are getting off subject but in Sydney and Melbourne there are several outlets of KFC and Mcdonalds that are halal only and the stores are clearly designated halal only.

As in a lot of Asian countries they offer smoked beef as a substitute for bacon.

I would surmise that there are a certain number of people who would not have a clue what halal means and would arc up.

Go into the food court opposite the Irish club and see how many halal premises are there.

They all have signs on the counters,

Apart from no pork I think that the only difference is that the animal is bled out immediately by having its throat cut and a prayer said.

The staff also have their heads covered so you do not get a dose of dandruff with your tucker.

Cheers

Ray

[Bommie]

when I go to kfc I expect bacon on my bacon and cheese chicken fillet burger

[Gary_C]

How's that for looking after human rights, when they can dictate what I eat at a chain store? Mine obviously don't matter as much as theirs.

Bit like ordering pork chops in a Jewish Restaurant

or roast beef in a vegetarian one.

Cheers

Ray

Going to the halal chicken joint at stones corner, you are right. But greasy KFC is not a Muslim brand or meal, so no.

By that logic, because KFC is actually an American brand, I should be able to make them use American style bacon on my orders? Why do you use Canadian bacon here instead of the really good stuff that gets all crispy and has the grease just running from it when it comes from the pan? And what's up with not having enough ketchup set out at Macca's and Hungry Jack's? They have big drums of it in the US where you can just pump your condiments to your heart's content.

I think the thing we are really arguing now is whether Western culture should continue to absorb and tolerate other cultures. I would posit that the acceptance is what defines Western culture.

[Jnr79]

Agree with you Gary_C. Bring on that greasy bacon!! :cheer:

What I am not so sure about, is the exact point in time where by the 'Western Culture' will cease to exist. In my opinion the willingness to 'accept' or effectively 'tolerate' the practice of certain cultures is now becoming an imposition on the way of life of other fellow countrymen. There is ever increasing pressure for everyday people to accept 'the tradition' or 'beliefs' of these foreigners, but little consideration is given to the impact that this is having on the 'everyday' peoples traditions, beliefs and general way of life.

I dont consider myself to be a racist person, but if the world which these people live in is so bad that they wish to escape the hardship and terrible conditions, to come to Australia. Then by condition of entry, there should be an acceptance of leaving their dirty shoes at the door and gracefully accepting the comfortable slippers and benefits given to them by the Australian public purse. It is continually referred as government money, whilst this purse may be distributed and "managed" by elected members of parliament and governed by policy - It is Public Purse which is meant to be collected from the people to benefit the people, not given away as a charity.

So without the everyday Australian tradition and heritage that was founded by our forefathers - our way of life could have been the same as what they are trying to escape! Now would 'they' have been so generous as to allow and accept us to bring 'Western Culture"??? That is possibly an entirely new thread.

[wheel fish]

OK, I'm a newbie and one of the things i initially liked about this site was the easy going nature and and informative posts.

I have read a number of comments on this post which screams intolerance.

My question is does this intolerance extend past this topic or is it confined to intolerance of refugees.

my ancestors were technically boat people. Irish decent and shipped to this tropical paradise the British called a penal colony.

It has been my experience that people with low tolerance exhibit the same level of tolerance for anyone different than themselves.

the question i put to everyone is this :

I am a 54 year old paraplegic and after 18 years of being told by charter boat operators and hire companies that they will not take a cripple out and that my money is not as good as an able bodied punter's, i decide screw them and i brought my own boat.

After reading posts on the social side of AFO, i believed i had found a friendly fishing minded group of people.

After reading the posts on this topic I am wondering if I would receive like treatment at social events or around the camp fire after a few ales.

I can guarantee this would not be a pretty ending if i were to receive any derogatory comments, if i were to attend one of these functions

so if the memebers of AFO (and i don't mean all members are intolerant ) would prefere to take a vote on the issue of letting someone different joining and attending these events please do so as i would hate to spoil a good weekend for everyone as i can have a bloody good time with mates who take me as i am. A PERSON WHO LOVES FISHING

[Gary_C]

Wheel,

You'll be more than welcome. The majority of us can moderate ourselves as long as we aren't behind a keyboard

You'll be surprised at how good we all are in person. I would ask that you don't judge us by our (often alcohol fueled) rants on the website.

Look forward to meeting you in person.

[ellicat]

Haha. All good mate. Everyone is welcome. People that respect others' opinions and their right to them are welcome. Even those that don't. lol

You can't make a judgement without getting to 'know' personalities in real life

[crazywalrus]

I think you will find Wheel that most people on here are great. I have not found any issues here being excepted. Will be good to catch up for a beer and you are always welcome to come out on my boat. we would just need to work something out with the high sides.

[wheel fish]

Thanks CW.

If the opportunity ever eventuates that i could be a deckie on your boat would be great and much appreciated.

High sides not a problem. as i told a charter operator in Yeppoon who told me he wouldn't take me out even after i offered to pay the entire charter of $1,750 for the day, that he parks his boat in the middle of Kepple Bay harbor and if i couldn't swim out and get on his boat then he doesn't take my charter. He still refused.

Point is, if it involves fishing, i will drag my ugly butt across a ramp covered in broken glass, through the nastiest mud bank and swim the rest of the way for a fishing trip.

lucky i have a boat and no need to embarrass myself doing this type of unseemly behavior.

[haines490slc]

Thought this is interesting, successful Aussies who were assylum seekers, what great Australians.

/>http://www.kochie.com.au/some-great-australians-who-happened-to-be-refugees

[rayke1938]

Things have not really changed over the years. When I was in primary school we had a couple of Bernado lads from the UK in the class below mine and they were called reffos and noone would speak to them.

( reffo [ˈrɛfəʊ]

n pl reffos

Austral slang an offensive name for a European refugee after World War II )

Apparently the white australia policy still festers close below the surface and some politicians encourage it.

Cheers

Ray

[regulated]

Thought this is interesting, successful Aussies who were assylum seekers, what great Australians.

/>http://www.kochie.com.au/some-great-australians-who-happened-to-be-refugees

Great to see people make a great life out of it.

Haines I think the biggest issue is why the hell were you looking at Kochie's site :S :S There are hotlines that can help you out with that terrible problem

[Gary_C]

Thought this is interesting, successful Aussies who were assylum seekers, what great Australians.

/>http://www.kochie.com.au/some-great-australians-who-happened-to-be-refugees

Great to see people make a great life out of it.

Haines I think the biggest issue is why the hell were you looking at Kochie's site :S :S There are hotlines that can help you out with that terrible problem

It is probably my fault. I told him about Farzad Tarash who was born in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran.

25 years old and is the only member of the Australia Olympic Wrestling team. He wrestles at 60 kg, which means he probably weighs closer to 70 kg when not competing (competes at 66 kg in other tournaments).

A bit of his bio:

Farzad Tarash was born in Iran and moved to Australia when he was 12 in 1998 with his family. His father Parviz was a national champion in his native country where wrestling is the national sport, and both Farzad and younger brother Mehrdad followed in the father's footsteps by taking up the sport.

[fishingnut]

Thought this is interesting, successful Aussies who were assylum seekers, what great Australians.

/>http://www.kochie.com.au/some-great-australians-who-happened-to-be-refugees

Great to see people make a great life out of it.

Haines I think the biggest issue is why the hell were you looking at Kochie's site :S :S There are hotlines that can help you out with that terrible problem

It is probably my fault. I told him about Farzad Tarash who was born in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran.

25 years old and is the only member of the Australia Olympic Wrestling team. He wrestles at 60 kg, which means he probably weighs closer to 70 kg when not competing (competes at 66 kg in other tournaments).

A bit of his bio:

Farzad Tarash was born in Iran and moved to Australia when he was 12 in 1998 with his family. His father Parviz was a national champion in his native country where wrestling is the national sport, and both Farzad and younger brother Mehrdad followed in the father's footsteps by taking up the sport.

So ted is Parviz and you are farzad practicing training at straddie?

[ellicat]

Thought this is interesting, successful Aussies who were assylum seekers, what great Australians.

/>http://www.kochie.com.au/some-great-australians-who-happened-to-be-refugees

It's not much of a list when you only count the genuine asylum seekers named.

[motu]

correct me if im wrong but is it more a case of scared of the unknown ! when i 1st moved here in 1987 i worked with guys that had never been over to the north side and disliked people from the north side . there dad drove a holden so they hated fords but they had never owned one . its not realy these boat peoples fault ? but i dont think when they get released here they be given special grants above what anyone eles gets . i work hard paye my taxes and cant become a australian citizen but they can and most dont understand plain english ?

[KingaroyTroy]

don't worry about sending them back, lets sink a few more boats we can always do with artifical reefs. they might stop coming over then.