Crisis: Chistmas Island

My topic crisis is the well publicized Christmas Island Detention Center Riots, the most recent article is just two days old, and with March's detainee breakout still ringing in people's ears, and it is a hot topic. There's no denying it is a crisis, without a doubt but I believe the Labor Government is going about it all the wrong way.

At the current time it seems to most average Australians that nothing is being done, and that the Labor Government has lost control of the situation. With tax-payer money being spent to repair damages done to centers, by people who potentially want to live in our country it’s understandable to see the average Australian is rather frustrated by it.

If I were the head PR manager for the government or even PM this is what I would recommend doing. Firstly you would have to contain the problem whether that be by add more guards or taking away privileges from the detainees, whatever it is it should be done quickly and as soon as possible.

They need to put in place a new policy perhaps best summed up by the West African proverb made famous by US President Theodore Roosevelt "Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far." With that I mean treat the detainees with respect make sure they are comfortable with their stay and assist them with their attempts to join the Australian community. Whilst doing that the unruly detainees the so called "ring leaders" of these riots need to be dealt with severely. I hate to use the phase but they need to be made an example of, and enforce the notion of anti-social behavior will not be tolerated in Australia.

Whilst all these changes will be under going on I would publicly announce every detail as it came to pass and inform the Australian public of what they intend to do how they'll go about it. The whole process put be performed with absolute transparency, so the Australian people can fully understand that the government is devoted not only to protecting its citizens but offering help for those hoping to seek asylum within Australia.

In conjunction with those methods I would suggest that they seek public input organize polls, on such shows as Q&A and Dateline. The government must use the public to get idea and feel how the Australian people want to go about dealing with the issue. This will not only be great PR for the solution but the Australian public will feel like they're getting involved and that their apart of the solution. The people will more likely understand and appreciate what the government is doing if they believe they are influencing what is going on.

On a long term out it could prove vital by taking this method because it will look like they are in touch with average Australian.