The Prime Minister, reflecting on his treatment of asylum seekers, constantly claims that Australia is a humane and compassionate society.
He claims the turning away of over crowded refugee boats from Australian territorial waters is justified because these would be asylum seekers are presuming on our compassion.
Given the apparent widespread acceptance of such policies in Australia, refugees escaping from brutal regimes and countries (which we and our allies are bombing and blockading) must hope that compassion fatigue sets in soon.
Written circa 2004
Copyright © 2025 John Tomlinson