As the Australian media seems only interested in reporting on just two topics-the flip-flop between Rudd and Gillard and "stopping boats" there does not seem to be much chance in rigourous questioning of politicians about substantial issues to hold them accountable. For instance, concerning the refugee issue itself, with the current and predicted increase of the world refugee population over the next decade due to the recent destabilisation of Syria and attempts to destabilise the regime in Iran through sanctions, as well as the deadline for withdrawal of US and allied troops from Afghanistan coming up soon, do the Labor and Liberal parties still propose that the government keeps the offshore humanitarian intake at 20 000* while they continue to bury their heads in the sand and chant the mantra: "stop the boats" *This 20 000 refugee quota of "offshore" applicants includes those arriving ON the shores of Austalia by boat and immediate family members who are being reunitied with their family members already in Australia.
Posted on: Wed, 26 Jun 2013 17:15:26 +0000