The Pacific Solution is a tried and tested solution. I don't think Abbott can be held accountable for wanting to re-instate the system that clearly worked with success.
And, I believe he is correct in not giving in to nonsense policy for political point scoring. Border policy is one of his election winners. If he didn't care about this country, he should just let labor keep spinning themselves into a deeper hole to ensure Coalition landslide victory at the next election.
IMO, Gillard should be thanking her lucky stars that Abbott is willing to offer bipartisan support in an effort to protect our borders and prevent more unnecessary deaths from people who have a utopia illusion of Australia. Abbott has gone up in my estimation over this and I fully support him being insistent on making Labor get this one right for the safety of our borders and to deter unauthorised people risking their lives to come here in droves.
And, no use just setting up offshore processing. The success of the Pacific Solution seems to be:
providing an offshore processing centre that is run by Australians and/or a country which is a signatory to the UN.
Temporary Protection Visas
Turning the boats back where it is safe to do so. If not they are escorted to the offshore country.
I believe this provides a safe haven for genuine refugees fleeing persecution while discouraging non-refugees from taking advantage of our commitment to help those who are genuine.
