Here we go again
Ok, so we've had another people-smuggling boat turn up in Australian waters again. A big fire onboard has meant a many were badly injured, and are being taken to Darwin and Perth hospitals for treatment.
The Opposition has wasted no time in claiming that the Government caused this tragedy. Apparently, relaxing the Temporary Protection Visa's has "given the green light" to people smugglers. Turnbull, was interviewed on the ABC AM this morning, and claims that TPV's were an effective deterrent to people smugglers (whom he characterised as evil, greedy, businesspeople). Now, not withstanding the documented rise in population displacement due to oversea's conflicts (in this case, Afghanistan), causing increases in refugee numbers all over the world - if people smugglers were really greedy businesspeople who had no regard for peoples lives -do you really think that they are particularly concerned what happens to their human cargo when they reach land? They've already received their fees, so I highly doubt they are concerned about how and under which Visa scheme, their cargo is processed. And, although right-wingers like to dehumanize refugees as "illegal immigrants" who are possibly terrorists - the fact is, in nearly ever case, they have a genuine claim under the UN refugee convention. Its no easy thing staking your life on a leaky vessel to try and escape, so why would you risk life and limb unless you were really really desperate. Hardliners liners seem to think these people would what... blow themselves up to force Australia to take them in? Yeah, makes perfect sense.
Bob Debus (Home Affairs Minster) was also interviewed this morning, and I was really, really impressed. He point blank refused to make any comments or give any opinions on this, until an investigation had completed. Repeatedly, he stated that he would not politicise this proccess and not only did not raise any xenophobic opinions, but resisted the temptation also, to attack the opposition.
When asked if he was being particularly careful due to past experiences with the Tampa issue, his response was: "Absolutely."
Good on him.
The Opposition has wasted no time in claiming that the Government caused this tragedy. Apparently, relaxing the Temporary Protection Visa's has "given the green light" to people smugglers. Turnbull, was interviewed on the ABC AM this morning, and claims that TPV's were an effective deterrent to people smugglers (whom he characterised as evil, greedy, businesspeople). Now, not withstanding the documented rise in population displacement due to oversea's conflicts (in this case, Afghanistan), causing increases in refugee numbers all over the world - if people smugglers were really greedy businesspeople who had no regard for peoples lives -do you really think that they are particularly concerned what happens to their human cargo when they reach land? They've already received their fees, so I highly doubt they are concerned about how and under which Visa scheme, their cargo is processed. And, although right-wingers like to dehumanize refugees as "illegal immigrants" who are possibly terrorists - the fact is, in nearly ever case, they have a genuine claim under the UN refugee convention. Its no easy thing staking your life on a leaky vessel to try and escape, so why would you risk life and limb unless you were really really desperate. Hardliners liners seem to think these people would what... blow themselves up to force Australia to take them in? Yeah, makes perfect sense.
Bob Debus (Home Affairs Minster) was also interviewed this morning, and I was really, really impressed. He point blank refused to make any comments or give any opinions on this, until an investigation had completed. Repeatedly, he stated that he would not politicise this proccess and not only did not raise any xenophobic opinions, but resisted the temptation also, to attack the opposition.
When asked if he was being particularly careful due to past experiences with the Tampa issue, his response was: "Absolutely."
Good on him.
I think a radical re-think of our approach is required here. I think we all agree (1) if everyone who wanted to get to Australia could do so easily our legal system would be swamped (2) people travelling on boats to Australia is non-ideal for a number of reasons, mostly it encourages them to avoid proper channels and has a high risk of death.
Maybe we should look at a pre-approval process whereby potential refugees are able to fill out some kind of form in Indonesia and those with a clear case for refugee status are transported across on a legal boat.