could this be a solution to the boat people

I have an idea about the boat people and our border security. I doubt an incoming Abbott Govt. or a re-elected Rudd Govt. can legislate or change a procedures to stop the illegals. The flood gates have been well and truly opened.

How about our newly elected Government change the law by legislating the crews of these boats, who are mostly Indonesians receive a mandatory jail sentence of 10 or 15 years, no ifs or buts, a mandatory sentence. Our authorities know where these boats are setting out from, so how about advertising blitz (in the area) if this became law warning potential smugglers they face 10 or 15 years when they are apprehended entering our waters.

This is attacking the people smuggler, he or she would have to ask if the money was worth 15 years in jail. Indonesia has very harsh drug laws, they don't give a toss who complains, so they in turn they would be told politely to go jump if these mandatory custodial sentences were imposed on their nationals.

It might work and the cost would be a lot less than now to the Australian tax payer.

Any thoughts without being political, we need a solution, not point scoring.

Dtrad