Dsmithy70 wrote on Feb 18
th, 2014 at 1:24pm:
Um yeah, the 1 glaring point you miss is that the 1500 weren't under the care & protection of the Australian government.
No argument that's what they were trying to obtain but at the time of their deaths they were not, the "Smugglers" & boat captains were responsible for their health & "safety" NOT the AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT.
However this individual had secured the protection & care of our Government & it would seem we FAILED.
But don't let facts stop your rant.
I'm really interested in your comment. It brings to mind something I read in the paper last year. One migrant family was suing the Australian Govt (courtesy of legal aid) for pain and stress they suffered on the way out, while they were on the leaky boat.
I remember thinking it was a bit rich, as the aust govt didn't ask them to come, never encouraged them to come, didn't even know they were coming at that stage, it was their personal decision.
Yet like so many things nowadays, they were trying to get money out of the taxpayer.
I don't know how the case ended or even if it has ended.
But they were definitely trying to establish that the Aust govt was responsible for their health and safety even while on those boats.