Collected letters

Herald-Sun, 7/7:

Birthrate the main culprit

The credibility of those who joyfully welcome the arrival of new members to their own families, yet oppose the influx of asylum seekers on the basis of a perceived ensuing strain on Australia’s resources, is untenable.

If increasing population levels are indeed stressing infrastructural sustainability, then the national birthrate is the chief culprit, as this is much higher than the modest rate of asylum seekers coming here.

Such a mindset, which celebrates a home-grown “happy event” while decrying the entry of often desperate boat people to these shores, betrays its own thoughtless selfishness and cultural prejudices.

– Co Purssey, Elstemwick

Overstayers the real concern

I would like to see the media present the facts about who we should let into our country.

It is not well known that, as a signatory to a United Nations convention, Australia has an obligation to accept people seeking asylum until they are found not to have a genuine case. The real illegals are backpackers and other holiday-makers who overstay their visas.

There are many more of them than asylum seekers, and yet we seem to tolerate their presence.

If today’s leaders led us on this issue, as Malcolm Fraser did with boat people from Vietnam, we could have some real debate.

– Helen Perela, West Heidelberg

8/7:

Too many people in crowded house

I will review my position re garding immigration and asylum seekers when I can have a shower without worrying about how much water I use, turn on a light and not worry about the cost of electricity, turn on a heater with out worrying about the cost of gas and when I can go out without worrying about getting bashed.

It suits the Government to hold an election at the drop of a hat when it gives them an advantage at the polls.

Let’s see if they have the same attitude in terms of holding a referendum about increasing the Australian population.

– Grant McKay, Pakenharn

Legal migrants do more damage

Why all this fuss about refugees? Don’t people realise that the people who are flooding our cities, inflating our real estate values and putting strains on our community facilities are the legal immigrants — 180,000 so far this year?

Why don’t politicians mention the 50,000 overstayers who come by plane, not by boat? Why not mention the uncontrolled access to Australia by New Zealanders?

It is the above groups who are overstressing our social and physical environment.

We certainly need a population policy for sustainable development rather than a policy of scapegoating the most desperate.

In any case refugees do not threaten our jobs: rather they will do the work that we do not want to do, just as poor migrants do all round the world.

– John Addle, Ringwood East