boats, libs 18 in 6 years, lab 61 in 1 year, page-2

Did you see the minister on the 730 Report last night sqirm and not answer questions on the boat influx? Blind freddy can see there has been a huge upswing in the boats arriving and the 'push theory' is becoming a joke.The stand in interviewer (Chris Yuleman I think) did a great job.

Abbot's comments in the Australian today saying, as Rudd did, that he would turn the boats around, if the situation allowed, was a childish stunt that is below him. We all know, as the refugees do, that all they have to do is disable the boat and we have no choice under the fundamental Law of the Sea but to save them.

It is just a matter of time before both sides have to get real about this. While we reward those who risk their lives to arrive at our door they will continue to do it.

By running a system that rewards risk takers and creating the temptation our leaders are accountable for the result.

Our Leaders (both sides) need to create a policy that is compassionate and practical. They need to show some spine. I am not confident they are up to the job.

Bacci