I don't think it's fair to conflate the issue of illegal boat arrivals with immigration. Most Australians are OK with immigration in principle and practice. I

I don't think it's fair to conflate the issue of illegal boat arrivals with immigration. Most Australians are OK with immigration in principle and practice. It is, as already described, a nation of immigrants. The thing they don't like is the people smuggling business bringing in those who claim refugee status, after destroying their documents saying who they are. I think the general attitude is - you can immigrate, just get in line and fill out the forms like everyone else. You may see this as the same but I don't think the average person on the street does.