Detention and Alternatives - where is the balance?

Detention of people found to be illegally present in Australia is currently mandatory.

The Joint Standing Committee on Migration tabled its second report entitled Immigration detention in Australia: Community-based alternatives to detention this week. One of the recommendations is an overhaul of the bridging visa system which would see detainees released into the community with support (including health care and assistance with accomodation) and potentially work rights. While on one hand this sounds like a civilised way to treat other human beings, I must admit I have some sympathy with the view expressed by the shadow minister for immigration, Dr Sharman when she says:

“The newly proposed bridging visa for all other detainees does not meet basic public interest and security criteria, nor does it help to deter people smugglers from targeting Australia as a preferred destination. People smugglers would no doubt be delighted to be telling their clients that in the latest Government policy softening, they will not even have to remain in detention while their identity is being established."

This is a very difficult policy area and it's so hard to find a balance!