Abstract
The Australian government implemented a new policy in July 2013 in an attempt to more effectively address the recent spike in irregular migrants trying to reach its shores. In this paper, I examine the panic over migration in Australia concerning asylum seekers arriving by boat. The discussion is divided into two main themes. First, I look at how the Australian government is attempting to manage irregular immigration with a specific focus on the regional arrangement with Papua New Guinea. I argue that instead of mutually beneficial efforts at regional cooperation, the Australian government is merely shifting its responsibilities to a developing country. Second, I discuss the panic over the “boatpeople” and argue the situation has been exaggerated and overstates the scale of the problem.
Recommended Citation
White, Christopher C.
(2014)
"Australia’s Boatpeople Policy: Regional Cooperation or Passing the Buck?,"
Cultural Encounters, Conflicts, and Resolutions: Vol. 1:
Iss.
1, Article 8.
Available at:
https://engagedscholarship.csuohio.edu/cecr/vol1/iss1/8
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