Deterring the boat people: Explaining the Australian government's People Swap response to asylum seekers

Journal article

This article examines why Australia has taken a tough stance on 'boat people', through an analysis of the Malaysian People Swap response. The findings support the view that populism, wedge politics and a culture of control drive Australia’s asylum-seeker policy agenda. The article further argues that these political pressures hold numerous negative implications for the tone of Australia’s political debate and the quality of policy formulation, as well as for asylum seekers and refugees themselves.

Authors: Hasmath, R; McKenzie, J

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• Journal: Australian Journal of Political Science
• Volume: 48
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 417-430
• Publication date: 2013-12-11
• Acceptance date: 2013-01-01
• DOI: 10.1080/10361146.2013.841124
• Language: English
• Keywords: People Swap; Australia; asylum seekers