Mirror image !

There is an old adage that warns us to be careful what we wish for - and that could well apply to the boat people deal signed with Malaysia.

The next eight hundred who arrive on our shores by boat will be immediately shipped to Malaysia  and placed at the end of the queue of those waiting to be processed as asylum seeking refugees.  Even if they eventually make it to the head of that queue they will not be eligible for consideration for settlement in Australia.

It is hoped that this will be a positive disincentive to pay big money, take an even bigger safety risk and try and force their way into this country by paying people smugglers.

But - those seeking escape from oppression in their home countries might see it differently !

There are at present ninety thousand existing refugees in Malaysia - a country that is not a signatory to the UNHCR accords.    They are imprisoned in overcrowded, unsanitary refugee camps and face a deliberately slow and tedious refugee status approval - and during this incarceration their children are not offered any form of education - the food is meagre - and they are denied the opportunity to work and earn money to relieve their lot.   Health care is almost non existent - and if they give offence to their captors they may be caned !

Compare that with what they may term " the lucky " eight hundred - who will not be joining their ranks.

These people will spend a few weeks in containment before being moved into the general community.  They will live amongst the Malaysian population - and they will have the right to get a job and earn money.  Their children will receive education - and they will all have the benefit of health services.  It is promised that they will be spared caning as a punishment for any rule infringement.

And all of this will be paid for by the Australian taxpayer.

There are some who may think that the risk of a boat trip to Christmas island and the money needed to obtain that journey is worth it if the end result is to becoming a privileged migrant in Malaysia with a life way above others.    They may also have the sneaky feeling that because Australia is paying for these services there will be pressure on the Malaysians to speed up approval and pass these migrants on to another country.

Maybe our expectations will have a mirror image - and the Malaysian processing will be seen as more of a blessing than a punishment.

A lot will depend on just what the government wished for !