Whichever side won the September election, Australia’s policy on asylum seekers was destined to take on an even harsher edge.

The Coalition campaigned for zero tolerance; Kevin Rudd sought to more than match it. If the boats were really to be stopped, there would be a lot of ugliness.

Read more: http://theconversation.com/government-issues-terms-of-reference-for-inquiry-into-operational-matters-that-went-badly-wrong-22260