It is interesting to note that workers at the Asylum Seekers Centre, like the volunteer labour force in general, are predominantly women. Unemployment remains a major concern. For this reason among others, efforts to limit the numbers of those seeking refugee status is always on the national agenda. Pressure arises from conservative political forces and from those who fear a tide of immigrants arriving, fleeing political dislocation. Some environmentalists, too, argue that Australia is at its maximum carrying capacity, especially in cities such as Sydney.
Many misconceptions exist about asylum seekers.
The term itself is problematic and raises issues of discrimination. In practice most refugee applicants would choose to return to their own country if circumstances permitted. Their problems, while local in some respects, are symptoms of the deep political, economic and social problems that continue to plague the world. Those caught in the turmoil that affects much of the globe require political commitment by governments and concerted action by the international community. Addressing the root causes of population displacement requires much more attention and energy than is currently devoted to it.