It's all about how you get here apparently

http://www.nationaltimes.com.au/opinion/politics/australians-all-let-us-react-says-the-right-20091022-hbck.html

"It's worth remembering that under Ruddock as immigration minister, the number of those living illegally in Australia steadily rose. When he first became the minister in 1996 there were 45,000 people unlawfully living here. About the time he was leaving the portfolio, the numbers had climbed to 60,000, according to the department's 2004 annual report.
Overwhelmingly, these people had arrived by aircraft. It's those who arrive in boats who inexplicably bring out the worst in us."