04-11-2011, 07:01am
(This post was last modified: 04-11-2011, 07:06am by Throwdown!.)
Both Labor and Liberal parties are quietly getting together to pass legislation to scupper a current court case where some do-gooders have presented a strong case to get a 'people smuggler' off scott free.
The defence's case is that the man on trial is not a people smuggler because as I've said here before, asylum seekers are not illegal immigrants and all an asylum seeker has to do is arrive at a country where they intend to seek asylum. As we're a huge island located at (quote) the arse end of the Earth, travelling by land is not an option so arrival is by sea or air - I'll get back to those who arrive by air later, but a boat crew is currently just facilitating the arrival of asylum seekers. That's a likely winnable defence.
The new legislation is very, very carefully being constructed because it will go against some of the refugee protocols we have signed up to and continue to say we accept. Someone will now become a people smuggler if they bring anyone to Australia who does not have a visa. If those people are later proved to be asylum seekers, it won't matter because the lack of a visa is what will be crucial. It will also be retro-spective legislation and apparently allow for prosecution of up 350 dudes, no dudettes.
This PROVES both parties acknowledge that boat people are NOT illegal immigrants. After processing, the ones who have no right to asylum are ejected from the country, but their previous status as aslylum seeker is completely above board. However, without a change in legislation, I'm telling you it would be impossible to convict a boat crew member as a people smuggler when the above defence is presented. As soon the legislation is rushed through, the current court case will end as the defence lawyers say it will instantly become unwinnable, so job done and 1 up to the Pollies.
Morally it's dodgy, but I won't get heavily into that because I believe in the notion of soverienty, but no matter what side of the argument you come from, visa carrying asylum seekers is really Eddie Izzard funny, isn't it? That said, that is how those coming in by air do it, so we're probably saying we only want a certain type of asylum seeker here - one who comes in on a plane, with a visa and is less visible to the media.
There are only TWO ethically correct options when it comes to asylum seekers. Sign the document (as Australia has done) take your fair share and process them humanly, in the community as we always have done with those flying in. OR;
Take the signature off the document and accept no one who claims asylum, lock them up as illegal immigrants (which they would be) and accept any consequences that come along with Australia's new placement in the World.
If you favour the second option, NONE of the current parties offer it, so stop talking up one side over the other and get on your local MP's back or start your own party. Either way, stop blaming asylum seekers - all problems with this, start at home.
The defence's case is that the man on trial is not a people smuggler because as I've said here before, asylum seekers are not illegal immigrants and all an asylum seeker has to do is arrive at a country where they intend to seek asylum. As we're a huge island located at (quote) the arse end of the Earth, travelling by land is not an option so arrival is by sea or air - I'll get back to those who arrive by air later, but a boat crew is currently just facilitating the arrival of asylum seekers. That's a likely winnable defence.
The new legislation is very, very carefully being constructed because it will go against some of the refugee protocols we have signed up to and continue to say we accept. Someone will now become a people smuggler if they bring anyone to Australia who does not have a visa. If those people are later proved to be asylum seekers, it won't matter because the lack of a visa is what will be crucial. It will also be retro-spective legislation and apparently allow for prosecution of up 350 dudes, no dudettes.
This PROVES both parties acknowledge that boat people are NOT illegal immigrants. After processing, the ones who have no right to asylum are ejected from the country, but their previous status as aslylum seeker is completely above board. However, without a change in legislation, I'm telling you it would be impossible to convict a boat crew member as a people smuggler when the above defence is presented. As soon the legislation is rushed through, the current court case will end as the defence lawyers say it will instantly become unwinnable, so job done and 1 up to the Pollies.
Morally it's dodgy, but I won't get heavily into that because I believe in the notion of soverienty, but no matter what side of the argument you come from, visa carrying asylum seekers is really Eddie Izzard funny, isn't it? That said, that is how those coming in by air do it, so we're probably saying we only want a certain type of asylum seeker here - one who comes in on a plane, with a visa and is less visible to the media.
There are only TWO ethically correct options when it comes to asylum seekers. Sign the document (as Australia has done) take your fair share and process them humanly, in the community as we always have done with those flying in. OR;
Take the signature off the document and accept no one who claims asylum, lock them up as illegal immigrants (which they would be) and accept any consequences that come along with Australia's new placement in the World.
If you favour the second option, NONE of the current parties offer it, so stop talking up one side over the other and get on your local MP's back or start your own party. Either way, stop blaming asylum seekers - all problems with this, start at home.
Carpe Diem!