Multiple Australian governments have tried to limit so-called 'illegal refugees' taking the dangerous sea routes to seek resettlement in Australia. One such vessel arrived in North Queensland today. The people smugglers that facilitate these journeys are breaking some laws but thanks to the obfuscation of details by the Australian government it's hard to work out exactly what penalties they face.

A humanitarian crisis is unfolding on Manus Island, where more than 600 people remain at a now shuttered detention facility cut off from water, food, power and important medications and health services. Most of these people have already been found to be refugees. Watching this entirely avoidable disaster of the Australian government's creation, it's easy to feel both helpless and culpable as an Australian resident. Here's how you can take action.