Although it may feel like the same old narrative, Australians must understand that this situation will persist until Julia Gillard and Labor stop governing our great nation.
In accordance with an expert panel’s recommendations, Australia plans to raise its annual intake of refugees to 20,000, up from the current 13,750.
According to PM Julia Gillard, this 45% increase marks the most significant rise in three decades.
Recently, lawmakers sanctioned the reopening of offshore processing facilities for asylum seekers in Nauru and PNG.
These actions aim to deter asylum seekers from undertaking perilous boat journeys to Australia, as the number of arrivals continues to rise.
The proposals, which included the increase in Australia’s humanitarian intake and the re-establishment of offshore centres, were part of the 22 recommendations made by an independent asylum panel earlier this month.
Commissioned by Ms Gillard, the panel’s review sought to resolve government deadlock surrounding the issue.
Headed by former defense chief Angus Houston, the three-member panel indicated that its recommendations were intended to promote seeking asylum through official avenues.
Ms Gillard remarked that the decision to boost refugee numbers conveyed a straightforward message.
“Message number one is that if you embark on a boat journey, you risk being sent to Nauru or PNG. Conversely, message number two is that if you remain in your location, there are more spots available for resettlement in Australia,” she stated.
A recent history of Australia’s Asylum
- In 2010, there were 6,535 Irregular Maritime Arrivals (IMAs – individuals arriving by sea) in 134 vessels
- In 2011, 4,565 IMAs arrived via 69 vessels
- As of 13 August 2012, 7,629 IMAs had reached Australia in 114 boats
- To date, July has recorded the highest activity, with 1,798 IMAs
- From 2009 to 2011, the majority of IMAs originated from Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Iran
- Some asylum seekers choose to arrive by air; between July 2010 and June 2011, 6,316 individuals pursued this method
The increase is “focused on those most in need: vulnerable individuals offshore, rather than those boarding boats,” she mentioned.
”Individuals arriving by boat will not gain any advantage. The risk to life is not worth it, nor is the expense, as there are absolutely no benefits from getting on that people-smuggler’s vessel.”
Asylum seekers frequently target Christmas Island, situated off Australia’s northwest shoreline, in their attempts to reach the country. The perilous journey often involves overcrowded and poorly maintained boats.
In June, a vessel carrying 200 asylum seekers sank near the island, resulting in 17 bodies recovered and another 70 feared lost after a three-day search. This incident marked the second boat sinking within a week, reigniting parliamentary discussions on asylum.
To demonstrate the government’s commitment to “safe alternatives to hazardous boat journeys,” Australia will immediately resettle an additional 400 refugees from Indonesia, Ms Gillard announced.
The Australian government will also work with the UNHCR regarding the distribution of the remaining resettlement spots.
The increase in intake will also include more Afghans and Syrians as well as Iraqis who have sought refuge in camps located in Jordan, Turkey, and Lebanon, stated Immigration Minister Chris Bowen.
“Sri Lankan refugees will certainly continue to be a part of our program, as will those from Burma in Malaysia, Thailand, and India,” he informed reporters.
Ms Gillard expressed hopes that the offshore processing centers might reopen within a month’s time.
Reports from Australian media indicate that the government has allocated $10 million for those centers.
by Sel Hurst
