Kincella, I think what Howard did was to apply urgent first aid to the problem He didn't cure it.
Under Howard rufugees had to go through a waiting period before getting in. They then got Temporary Protection Visa's rather than immediate citizenship. They didn't like this, nor did their very vocal advocates. So the flow slowed. The flow is very rational.
However after a while it was becoming clear that inevitably once they were in they were in and citizenship followed. They couldn't be expelled. Therefore it was just a matter of time before the flow started again.
Howard maintained an advantage for those who turned up at our front door. Mr Rudd has increased that advantage to a bonanza.
Stop the advantage for turning up at the front door and the flow will immediately stop.
While on the subject. I am interested in the language used to describe our navy's pick up and delivery of refugees once they hit the border. It can hardley be described as 'interception' or border protection. Bacci
