Bridging Troubled Waters : Australia and Asylum Seekers (Paperback)

Australian discussion of asylum seekers is polarised by slogans of 'Stop the Boats' and 'Bring them here'. Both sides have good arguments and blind spots. And both miss the details: how most asylum seekers reach Australia; changing public attitudes; policies that work or do damage. Surveying a wide range of evidence, new insights are presented. Australian discussion of asylum seekers is polarized between slogans of 'Stop the Boats' and 'Bring them here.' Both sides have good arguments - and both have their blind spots. And both are ill-prepared for surprises that emerge from a careful look at the details: in how most asylum seekers reach Australia; in changing public attitudes; in what policies work, and which do more damage than good.

This book aims to bridge the troubled waters. Surveying a wide range of evidence, it presents new insights on how best to approach a major issue for Australia's future