Commentators out of touch on refugees

Pressed on this, Senator Natasha Stott Despoja indicated she would increase the quota by the amount of 4,000. That wouldn't put a dent in the trade. I do not know what quota Senator Bob Brown and the Greens propose, but given his and the Democrats opposition to the Government's actions, you must begin to wonder what happened to "zero population growth".

A few critics opt for virtually open entry. Republican leader Greg Barns says Australia must "lift its refugee intake massively". He approves of the free movement of people as an extension of globalisation. And he thinks there is no need for Australians to be consulted on this.

In any event, a clear signal has now gone out to the smugglers that they will no longer be able to deliver what they have promised - free entry to Australia where there would be a strong likelihood that a generously funded refugee status would be granted, whether or not the client is a genuine refugee.

It is estimated that there are about 4,000 or 5,000 clients in the pipeline - people they have induced to come to Indonesia or possibly Malaysia with the promise of easy entry into Australia with generous assistance from Australian taxpayers.

The smugglers are under enormous pressure to test Australia's resolve before the monsoons. It is patently ridiculous to say that because of movement from this pipeline, the policy has failed. And it is defamation bordering on the criminal to suggest that because an unseaworthy vessel sinks in Indonesian waters with a tragic loss of life, and with possible Indonesian police involvement, this is the fault of the Australian Government - or of the Australian people.