How to stop the boats

This would ensure intending migrants were well aware of the need to gain employment on arrival. Those unable to find employment would need to rely on private means, charity or insurance to survive. If they became a continuing burden on the state they may have their permanent residence cancelled and be deported. Short term assistance could be justified on the grounds that it was covered by the fee they had paid.

If this plan was implemented, it is likely that the most qualified and employable person in a family would be the first to pay the fee and take up residence. He or she would then work to save the funds required to pay the fees of other family members. Over time, families would be reunited in Australia as they are now, except that each member will have made a valuable contribution to the economy.

Allowing immigration subject to payment of a fee would also provide a more moral basis for detaining and deporting illegal and unauthorised arrivals, should they still occur. The obvious message is to stay home and save until you have the money to come legally, or avoid deportation by paying the fee.

This proposal would not disrupt our relationship with New Zealand, under which Australians are free to live and work in New Zealand and vice versa. Indeed, there is a good case for establishing similar agreements with other countries that share our values, such as the UK, Canada and Japan. Moreover, access to welfare could be negotiated on a reciprocal basis with such countries.

It also need not disrupt working holiday agreements or temporary residency for workers and tourists. The only people affected would be those who seek to live in Australia permanently.