Bob Brown outlines humane, regional, practical options after the tragedy near Java - press conference 20-12-11

Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown spoke to reporters in Canberra today after the tragedy near Java, saying that Australia should stand ready to accept the survivors if they are found to be genuine refugees, particularly the children.

Senator Brown said offshore processing is not a magic fix. Asylum seekers will continue to come to Australia while there is persecution in their home countries. We need to work out humane, regional, long-term, practical options - offshore processing is none of these. Poor countries, rather than affluent ones, currently provide shelter for 80 per cent of the world's more than 15 million refugees. Australians want to do more and we can, he said.

Other topics included the death of North Korean dictator Kim Jong-il.