Playing politics on asylum seekers
AUSTRALIAN parliamentarians are seen to be playing politics with the divisive issue of asylum seekers, according to poll data released on Monday.
A poll, by Essential Media, showed 78% of those questioned said they thought federal parliamentarians were just playing politics with the issue.
Both Labor and the Coalition remained at loggerheads on Monday after weeks of toxic debate resulting in no progress on asylum seekers and offshore processing.
The poll showed only 11% of people thought politicians were trying to fix the problem, with a further 11% unsure.
Immigration Minister Chris Bowen said on Monday a Coalition plan to turn back boats holding immigrants was "dangerous and unworkable".
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott said the Coalition wanted a plan to bring immigrants through the front door, rather than the back door.
But during the month-long parliamentary winter recess, any progress on the issue was unlikely before parliament next sits in August.
