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But it is a surprise that most Australians believe these people should have their claims assessed in Australia, rather than overseas.
This puts them at odds with both Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott and the perception that attitudes have hardened against asylum seekers, particularly since the riots at the over-crowded Christmas Island detention centres earlier this year.
Today’s special Age/Nielsen poll reveals that most of those who believe asylum claims should be processed here support permanent protection in Australia being afforded to those who are found to be refugees.
In other words, there remains a huge reservoir of support and humanity towards those who are found to have a well-founded fear of persecution in their homelands.
But there are also some hard-hearted attitudes …
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Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/australia-needs-a-better-way-to-process-asylum-seekers-20110815-1iuul.html#ixzz1V8NjO0zY
