The issue of assylum seekers and their journey through Indonesia in the hope of finding safety and hope in Australia (and New Zealand) is one that continues to dominate the media and political agenda. Images of fishing trawlers burning and survivors in bandages perpetuate the emotive agenda of refugee advocates, whilst political speak of security and economy drive politicians on both sides to call for another discussion – to build a better, cleaner way to welcome (approved and limited) strangers.
Our leaders tell us that the main issue is the “scum of the earth” (Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, AAP) that profit from the transport of assylum seekers, not the refugees. Apparently, providing a person fits within the United Nations category of refugee, and meets the requirements of entry into our ‘lucky country’, we are ready and willing to welcome them! But, those people smugglers, “they should rot in hell”. (K Rudd)
So why don’t we circumvent the people smugglers? Why don’t we put a fence around the cliff instead of a screaming ambulance on Ashmore Reef?
I know this is hugely simplistic, but surely the establishment of a refugee assessment / processing unit (with the approval and partnership of the Indonesian government) on the ground in Indonesia would be a better use of finance, not to mention it would remove the client base from the privateers (or is that pirates) that would trade on the desperation of hope-driven humanity. This refugee assessment centre could conceivably accept (or return) and transport personnel from Indonesia cheaper than protecting borders, salvaging ships and hospitalising asylum seekers. And again, it has the potential to remove the people smugglers from the scene – after all they’re the problem.
