Migrants All On Boundless Plains
Hardline Approach
Softer Approach
Recent Policy Changes
Negative effects
Negative Effects
This 'Hardline approach' is the approach the Australian Government has taken. On July 19th, Kevin Rudd changed our Asylum policy so that anyone who comes to Australia by boat, even if asylum is granted, will never set foot on Australian Soil
How could Australia Change its Policy?
To implement this policy, it is going to cost the Australian Government a large amount of money. It will also put a large strain on the people of PNG who have to cope with a large influx of refugees that will boost their population and put more pressure on their already strained economy. Another issue with all of Australia's policies is that they go against a number of points outlined in the 1951 refugee convention.
Along with the benefits, there would also be some negative effects of implementing a policy such as this.
We have to realise that we can not unconditionally allow people into Australia
The danger of introducing 'unsavory characters'
In addition the infrastructure necessary to cope with new immigrants
There are a number of ways Australia could change their refugee policies to accommodate more asylum seekers. By granting all asylum seekers refugee status, the Australian Government would be looked highly upon by the UN and the rest of the world. Doing this however doesn't come without it's pro's and con's.
Benefits
The benefits for Australia in this policy are that after this, the outside world will understand that if you try and come to Australia by boat, you will 100% be denied access. This should lead to a decrease in the number of asylum seekers coming to Australia illegally and also a decrease in human trafficking.
As mentioned before, if Australia was to grant all asylum seekers to arrive here by boat refugee status, it would look exceptionally good for the Australian Government. Accepting all the refugees would also lower the Unemployment rate as the refugees would take all of the low paid, unskilled labour jobs in the Australian Economy. They would then take this wage and spend it in the economy, increasing economic activity. Accepting the refugees would also lead to Australia becoming a much more multicultural society.
The Refugee "Crisis"
"For those who've come across the seas
We've boundless plains to share,
With courage let us all combine
To Advance Australia fair"