The usual Australian centre-right spin is that we must make our asylum seeker processing system as harsh and inhumane as possible, in order to discourage others from attempting the dangerous crossing. It’s for their own good, don’t you see. 
The far right version is that they’re all diseased terrorist vermin and the Navy should sink the boats on sight.
The centre-left ALP response is that it’s all very upsetting, but they might lose a vote or two if they actually opposed the detention system. So just make it a bit nicer instead.
The actual left (Greens) think it’s a crime against humanity.
