Former governor-general William Deane has called on Australians to have more understanding and compassion for asylum seekers who risk their lives to come to Australia.

In a short address at Parliament House on Tuesday, Sir William told the story of how his forebears had come to Australia, fleeing famine on a wooden boat in 1851, which saw people die of disease and drownings along the way.

http://www.winghamchronicle.com.au/story/1977697/former-governor-general-calls-for-more-compassion-for-asylum-seekers-who-risk-their-lives/