Julia Gillard’s policy on boat people – what do you think?
Julia Gillard’s policy on boat people – what do you think?Prime Minister Julia Gillard has announced her policy on asylum seekers, saying that she believed Australians wished to welcome genuine refugees, but also expected arrivals to learn the rules under which the nation lives.
"This means that when newcomers settle in our community they accept their responsibility as members of that community - to learn English, to get a job and send their kids to school like everyone else," Ms Gillard said.
"Most refugees fulfill these obligations and are grateful to be able to make a new home in this country.”
"But the rules are the rules, we will ensure refugees shoulder the same obligations as Australians generally."
Ms Gillard said that her policy will ensure that people arriving by boat does not give anyone an advantage, and that people smugglers have no product to sell.
She said it would not be a return to the Pacific solution under John Howard.
What are your thoughts on Ms Gillard’s policy announcement?
Do you think the policy will deter people smugglers? Or will they continue unabated?
What are your thoughts on legitimate refugees? Do you think they sometimes, wrongly, get confused with “queue jumpers”?
Or do you think we should close our borders altogether?
Have your say.
| Most Popular Topics |  |
