"I am so disgusted with what is happening regarding the refugees. I am sickened by our politicians both Lib and Lab.

I have a couple of rooms - could sleep 4 easily. I'm close to the city of Sydney and Chatswood and transport. I'd love to help these people.I am so pleased that you are doing something so positive.

I have written to both leaders expressing my disgust and utter dismay at what we are doing to humanity. Only the Labor Party wrote back!!"

"Please add our names to your register of spare rooms.  We presently have two spare bedrooms, and could probably house two adults and two young children (the rooms are only small!) or one older adolescent.  We would be only too pleased to assist refugees in this way if only to show to them how disgusted we are with the inhumane actions of our politicians, and to somehow compensate them (if that is at all possible)  for the appalling way they have been treated to date."

"…my partner is a wonderful cook and would love to share his kitchen with people yearning to make their own cuisine again"

" We'd like to register our support for anything which improves the lot of the asylum seekers."

"I am not poor or rich in australian standards,but do think it is rich to be able to eat well and sleep safely.I am an average australian with an open mind.I am ashamed of the goverment that represents australia as for the people who help put it in.My house although humble and isolated welcomes anybody seeking a peacefull or safe existence …"

" I live in a large home with my husband and two adult step sons.  We have one spare double room and a large gym which could be easily converted into a bedroom.  We are an adult family, who take pride in providing support for each other, and have more than enough capacity to share our home and family with a small family or one or more young people who are without their families."

"…I feel so ashamed of the country I was born in and once lauded to overseas friends because of our tolerance…"

" We would love to help in any way we can because at the moment we are feeling ashamed to be Australian. We currently have two spare rooms and separate bathroom in a medium size house …"

" I am ashamed of the way Australia has treated the assylum seekers.  I would like to help ..."

" Apart from offering support to the asylum seekers, we must not close our mouths!  We as a family have experienced a division with family and friends that we could never have thought possible.  John Howard created this divisive society and he should be ashamed…"

" I am ashamed of my own country, and it is not a nice feeling when in the past I have been proud to be an Australian - this govt  have made it accpetable to be racist - excusing it and telling us all we are a compassionate country - I am sick of hearing about 'queue jumpers' and illegal refugees - it is not illegal to ask for asylum, it is a right."

"My wife and I have 2 spare rooms at our house which could be used to give some shelter and compassion to at most a family of four.  The inhumane treatment of these suffering people makes me ashamed to call myself Australian.

I sincerely hope that I can be of assistance and wish you all the best in getting the poor refugees out of the horror conditions in which they have been placed by those fine upstanding and morally strong members of our community we call politicians."

The whole thing has left me feeling completely depressed, awfully ashamed at what this country is doing to these people, and totally embarrassed at the damage this country is doing to itself, and to its international reputation.

If we can help out in any way, please let us know.  We have spare room at our house, although we're in the middle of renovations so things are a bit of a shambles.

"… most of my friends and colleagues just don't agree with the government on this, are ashamed and embarrassed and not one of them voted for Howard yet here we are in this situation.  Something has gone horribly wrong…"

"Since the Tampa I have been ashamed at the majority of Australias who appear to totally lack compassio for these Middle Eastern refugees.

If they were Zimbabean WHITE farmers, the Navy would be sending ships to welcome them...  as would the public.  Sadly, this is pure racism cloaked in the guise of "security"."

"On the morning of our last federal election I read an article written by Rob Sitch where he said "we are better than that", and I had hoped to see that he was proven right.  He wasn't.  It is a shame when the leader at the helm panders to the fears of the people of a country rather than showing leadership, providing correct information etc.

The way I have expressed my thoughts is by telling people constantly my views on immigration, the shameful response to the Tampa issue, the plight of asylum seekers etc.  Our family has suffered.  My 17 year old daughter has suffered at school - until I wrote to the principal who then took action by giving correct information to the students and then asking them to make up their minds.  My daughter said the response was fantastic.

Apart from offering support to the asylum seekers, we must not close our mouths!  We as a family have experienced a division with family and friends that we could never have thought possible.  John Howard created this divisive society and he should be ashamed.

I am amazed when I see the courage my 17 year old daughter shows.  Even in the face of condemning grandparents!  It is hard.

Over the next week we will write to some of the detainees.  We will be in touch shortly with you as well.

Best regards and thank you for your work"