Judy asked the question: “The rhetoric has been hot and furious on the issues of onshore/offshore processing, the Malaysia agreement and the regional approach, versus Nauru, the Coalition's policy. Yet I suspect most people know very little about the basis for the government's proposed policy - including changes in Malaysia's treatment of refugees, arrived at after talks with the UNHCR, and how the agreememnt would link up with offshore processing - and how this differs from Nauru. Further, little is known about people smuggling, who the smugglers are and what happens...”

Judy commented on Sharon's question: “Some are 'terrified' because they still believe Howard's claim of being 'ínvaded', and yes, the government should be more upfront about refugees' humanity. Though the language has changed, especially lately. However, we should remember that people smuggling is a multi-million $ business, is believed to be allied with piratical acts including child kidnapping, and that possibly 400 boat people have drowned trying to get here.”

Judy commented on Russell's question: “Actually, asylum seekers to date have received precious little in supports, to date. I think the new arrangements, which will see those currently behind bars move into the community, may grant them something like 80% of unemployment benefits. That's all. Asylum seekers have never received more than our old age pensioners. That is an urban myth, dreamed up and spread to raise levels of resentment.”

Judy commented on Lou's question: “You could say medical experts have a vested interest .. yet I would go to one of them for an illness instead of, say, a bee keeper. Similarly, I call an electrician for wiring, and a registered builder for building. I don't call Tony Abbott on climate change. And people who can't tell the difference between one hot year (1998) and a series of decades clearly depicting an average temperature that is rising just scare me rigid. ”