what do you mean by "genuine" refugee? In some cases its clear; in others it's murky. What makes someone a refugee in some cases is their propensity to get into trouble with their local authorities. Why do we always assume that this is unjustified--yes, the level of state persecution on them may be excessive and inhumane but my biggest fear is that more that they are of good character.
The Rudd govt has sent the wrong signal to the people smugglers--OK, it may have been done for the best of motives BUT perceptions are everything. And the perception is that the gates have now been flung open. If Rudd wanted to be distinguish himself from the Ruddock policy he should have kept the camps but increased the refugee intake (which, per capita, is already one of the best in the world). Let's not forget that the Hawke govt built the camps and created the illegals policy in 1990.
If the boatloads of illegal migrants start up again then we will know what the cause was.
