Unlawful immigration is a key subject in nearly every developed country even as Australia is reportedly drawing much attention on the international stage on this issue. In this connection, some observers say that post six catastrophic years of alleged negligence under left-wing administrations, the new conservative Prime Minister-elect is reportedly making efforts to prevent the prohibited smuggling of refuge seekers from Indonesia. As per Tony Abbott, the PM, improvements may begin soon.
They add (the observers) that the premier has shown every possible sign that he is keen to handle the subject with compassion to what is believed to be one of the nation’s most vital global relationships. However, he has also pointed-out that Down Under ought to do what it should do. The Indonesian reaction to his policy may fan tension in the area. And, with its repercussions likely to be felt in not less than three countries, the matter will be an early test of the new PM’s overseas policy expertise, add the observers.
A large of individuals gain admission into the country unlawfully every year–via water vessels–before claiming refugee position, courtesy their roots in certain war-devastated countries, like Afghanistan. Usually, they give money to smugglers to transport them from Indonesia to the waters around the Australian region of the Christmas Island. Over and over again, the smugglers employ unseaworthy boats, requiring salvage operations by the navy of Australia.
Earlier, the then Premier John Howard had brought the smuggling to a decline. Several vessels were denied admission and turned back to Indonesia even as the same decreased the figure of boat arrivals to almost zero. But, the rise of Kevin Rudd’s Labor Party administration in 2007 reversed the situation, for the worse; a well-known detention center was closed, and a resultant influx of 1000s of aliens via vessels were witnessed.
The swell in the figure of vessels became one of the hottest subjects in the national politics and the then opposition chief Tony Abbott constantly urged for the re-opening of the processing center at Nauru. Ultimately, the Labor successor of Rudd had to re-open the center, post her new plans could not lead to positive results. However, no boats were sent back. As expected, more kept turning-up.
Earlier this year, Rudd stormed back to power as premier, post throwing-out Gillard from the control of the Labor Party. He, at once, proclaimed his own adaptation of the Pacific Solution in the backdrop of a ominous electoral rout. The observers continue that though the same had some merit, that plan potentially ignited the matter even more.
Inking an accord with Papua New Guinea (PNG), he declared that refuge seekers who landed by vessels would be refused any chance of ever staying in the Kangaroo Land—even in case their claims were true. In its place, legitimate refugees would be resettled in the PNG. Reportedly, this plan attracted widespread disapproval from several PNG citizens with the reason being the poor country is powerless to take-in a large number of settlers.
