When we start talking to asylum seekers, rather than only talking about them, a number of things happen. First, we see their diversity and recognise that trying to solve the irregular migration issue through the strike of a single policy brushstroke is unachievable. Next we see where we might start to make headway with certain sub groups to prevent their irregular migration to Australia. Those who travel with young children are more inclined to stay living in Indonesia and Malaysia if changes can be made to help them to continue living there. They want better access to education for their children and the capacity to work. They also want a more stable status so that they do not risk being deported, arrested or mistreated. Australia can facilitate these types of solutions for asylum seekers; we already do to some extent through our Displaced Persons Program. But we must realise that if such measures do not deter all irregular maritime arrivals, they are not policy failures. It is just that different people want and require different things so a multi-pronged policy approach is required.
Posted on: Wed, 31 Jul 2013 01:27:37 +0000