In Australia the refugee debate has almost become toxic. What should be a humanitarian issue has become a political football.

It’s time for some facts, which will hopefully go towards breaking down some of the irrational fear about the dreaded “boat people”.

1. First of all, Australia only takes around 1% of the world’s refugees. Claims that we’re being over-run with refugees are not helpful. 1% of the world’s refugees really isn’t that much, especially considering Australia’s wealth.
2. Contrary to many people’s fears, refugees arriving by boat are not terrorists or undesirables. All refugees are thoroughly screened and statistics show that 95% of them are genuinely fleeing persecution and violence, and therefore receive refugee status. Those who can’t prove this are returned to their country of origin. So nearly all of the refugees who arrive here really are in a desperate situation
3. Refugees arriving by boat only account for around 1% of Australia’s total migration intake.
4. Last year, around 3400 assylum seekers were granted refugee status in Australia. By comparison, around 50000 people (students, tourists and visitors) overstayed their visa.
5. Finally, it is not illegal to turn up at a country and seek refugee status. We can all do it under international law. Even you and me. So using terms like “illegal immigrants” does not help to keep the debate rational and unbiased

Yes, we do need to do something about people smugglers. I don’t claim to have the answer to that problem, but we certainly shouldn’t fight the people smugglers by demonizing those who are poor and desperate. I think most of us living in Australia would find it hard to really imagine what it would be like to have to flee your home.

If you earn an average wage in Australia, then you are automatically in the top 1% richest people in the world. We really are a very wealthy nation and do have the capacity to help a whole lot more.