Claire Higgins’ Asylum by Boat: Origins of Australia’s Refugee Policy explores how governments and policymakers have dealt with the confluence of issues emerging from the end of the White Australia policy, a recognition of international responsibilities, and shifting public opinion on asylum seekers. Higgins’ important book is driven by the question of how we moved from a humanitarian approach to policies of mandatory detention − including on remote islands − and boat turn-backs.

Higgins will be in conversation with the much-loved Julian Burnside AO QC, an Australian barrister, human rights and refugee advocate, and author.

Free, but please book here.