wat.
Refugee numbers are usually determined by conflicts around the world. With the war in Syria happening you'll see a lot more people trying to get as far away as possible.
The PNG solution is just the government subcontracting the work. It's a disgraceful policy and just reinforces how backwards australia is. Sure some of you don't really care how the rest of the world thinks, but the only reason why this is on the table it's just a political stint to win votes.
Refugees are people who are already legally granted the status of asylum btw. 91% of asylum claims have been determined legitimate. it's not the same as illegal immigration. There are far more people arriving by plane (brits, chinese and americans) who are working here under false pretenses.
http://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliam...mentary_Library/pubs/BN/2012-2013/AsylumFacts
Most refugees are from conflict/persecution areas, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka aren't exactly the safest place to live.