A High Court decision ruling indefinite detention unlawful – leading to the release of 148 immigration detainees, some of whom are criminals – has sparked weeks of toxic political debate about refugees.

In the last few days, the government raced to pass new immigration laws that will put an end to it, but the style of debate has already caused damage.

So, what have we learned from the debacle, and did Australia miss an opportunity to have a conversation about our hardline immigration policy?

Today, contributing editor of The Politics for The Monthly online, Rachel Withers, on how parliament ended the year on ugly scenes.

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Guest: Contributing editor of The Politics for The Monthly online, Rachel Withers

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