In an interesting twist on feeding the media cycle, the Australian government has made some changes to the way they handle Unwanted arrivals by boat

Christmas Island residents 'will tell the world' about asylum seeker arrivals: union leader (http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/christmas-island-residents-will-tell-the-world-about-asylum-seeker-arrivals-union-leader-20130923-2u8se.html)

The media will be told once a week about arrivals and will not be told if boats are turned back. In a further twist they have decided that if you are well enough to get on a boat you are well enough to get on a plane to Manus Island short circuiting the general stuffing around which kept arrivals on Christmas Island for weeks.

It is marvelous what the military mind comes up with when they are asked. This change in policy is courtesy of a Lieutenant General

Well I'm guessing no reports from Christmas Island, no boats, someone must think it is Christmas. So much for indonesian soveriegnty, they can keep all those asylum seekers they are better off in a muslim nation anyway

Well this gives a fresh definition of boat people and boat arrivals


West Papuans flee to the Torres Strait

Meanwhile, six West Papuans have reportedly fled to Boigu Island in the Torres Strait.

Australian activist Ruben Blake was part of a recent "freedom flotilla" to the disputed province.

He believes the West Papuans were targeted during an Indonesian crackdown on independence supporters.

"Those six people needed to flee and we had information that they had fled," he said.

"We were not aware of where they would be going to.

"We have strong evidence it is these people that have arrived but we haven't been able to get in touch with them directly or Immigration who has them in custody at the moment."

The ABC has sought comment from the Immigration Department and Minister.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-09-26/would-be-brisbane-mercenary-sentenced/4982996

the cat among the pidgeons

Former foreign minister Alexander Downer has but the cat among the pidgeons on the eve of Tony Abbotts visit to Indonesia by suggesting that Indonesia is hypocritical in talking about Australian attacks on its soveriegnity while allowing its flagged vessels to deliver ayslum seekers to Australian waters

Diplomatic row brews over asylum seeker policy as Tony Abbott prepares to visit Indonesia - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) (http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-09-26/diplomatic-row-brews-as-abbott-prepares-to-visit-indonesia/4983824)

It seems we have a storm in the Sundra Streight tonight

Ah there they are, I told you there was a problem in the Sunda Strait. What I don't get is where is the responsibility for Indonesia in this? Why is it not illegal to carry passengers in a boat not licenced to carry passengers, Why is it not illegal to sell boats used for this purpose, this would quickly stop if there were long sentences handed out to former boat owners.
Asylum seekers drown on way to Australia (http://www.smh.com.au/national/asylum-seekers-drown-on-way-to-australia-20130927-2uk3r.html)
I know some people in this world live in the dark ages and with great corruption but this tells me the corruption goes right to the top.

How are we responsible for this?

Asylum seeker boat sank 50 metres off Indonesian shore, survivors say - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) (http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-09-29/asylum-seeker-boat-sank-50-metres-off-indonesian-shore/4987412)

Asylum seekers in Indonesia blame Australia for not responding in Indonesian waters. The boat sank 50 metres from the Indonesian coast. This whole thing is getting out of hand, Australia is not responsible for every leaky boat that sets sail on the Indian Ocean, nor does it have the resources to patrol the coasts of Indonesia. In this country such craft would be condemned and certainly not permitted to carry passengers. Meanwhile the Indonesians sit back and talk about soveriegnity, a concept they no doubt learned from their colonial masters and Japanese invaders.

Labor wants the credit for less boats but actually it is different policies and a change of government that has led to less boats; 5 since the government took office. Less boats is down to two things, catostrophic losses; ie; sinkings and a hard line policy where the message is reaching the illegal immigrants before embarkation. You cannot not succeed in your objective so wait in the camps

Now it seems we have to go further and refer to these people as arrivals, transferees, detainees