The number of potential refuges has not risen since the time Howard's time as PM. That's just a furphy to exonerate the ALP from its disgraceful decision to dismantle Howard's very successful policy on illegals.
The Afghan conflict started during Howard's period in office over ten years ago. And it is almost impossible to remember a time when there have no conflicts and/or droughts and/or conflicts in Africa. Ditto Pakistan Sri Lanka and the ME, especially in Lebanon.
