Currently, asylum seekers who arrive in Australia by boat are denied immigration status. If they are genuine refugees they are resettled in Papua New Guinea and if they are not genuine refugees they are sent back to their originating country or a safe third country other than Australia. This issue is currently the highest ranked "most important" issue of the election. Learn more or
Response rates from 474k Australia voters.
55% Yes |
45% No |
41% Yes |
34% No |
7% Yes, do not turn back boats and process them onshore |
8% No, turn the boats back at sea and process them offshore with hard security checks and temporary protection visas |
7% Yes, they should be treated the same as those arriving by air |
3% No, turn the boats back at sea and process them offshore with hard security checks and no temporary protection visas |
Trend of support over time for each answer from 474k Australia voters.
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Trend of how important this issue is for 474k Australia voters.
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Unique answers from Australia voters whose views went beyond the provided options.
@8C8T5TR4yrs4Y
Yes, But proceed with security screenings and background checks on all citizens
@4ZDC8SX4yrs4Y
No, instead of turning back the boats - we should be escorting people back to the point of departure, and ensure that we do so in accordance with international law. Offshore processing is the only humane alternative to prevent enticing people to make the perilous journey. For those afraid of terrorists- they should know that the overwhelming majority of fanatics are from wealthy middle & upper classes, and who come by plane.
@4ZQBC6M4yrs4Y
Only families who are not Sunni Islam followers and who come from countries where we have no embassy. We should process our own refugees in a special isolated community (not fenced) but those to be processed must wear a id tracking band and stay in the refugee town. Anyone removing the band before being accepted will face instant deportation. Refugees must be processed within a 1 year time frame. Must have a mental, health, and attitude assessment before being accepted. Those with negative/violent points of views of Australia and its citicens (both male and female)must not be accepted. Stri… Read more
@52298KJ4yrs4Y
These queue jumpers have to be taught a lesson, come by boat and you never ever are accepted as an immigrant
@4ZRB7TP4yrs4Y
Target practice for the RAN
@9HJY34R10mos10MO
Overall no, as it encourages the illegal smuggling trade. We should work with a coalition of international governments to increase legal and safe ways for refugees and asylum seekers to reach a new life
@8K2WQXT4yrs4Y
Yes, but should be put to work instead of just getting a free pass in.
@4ZR6MR34yrs4Y
Yes, they need to enter into a 6 year program of 2 years of counselling culture/language education, 1 year of training into a job and 3 years working for community services like work for the dole. Give back to the community if they are not working.
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