Last month, former Socceroo and human rights activist Craig Foster made a blistering speech at the National Press Club about the brutal refugee policy and treatment of asylum seekers that both major parties have implemented since 2001.

He asked uncomfortable questions that challenged the notion that fairness is an essential part of the national character. Have we hardened our hearts to the plight of the displaced so much that we are willing to sacrifice that quality?

In this conversation, Jane will be asking Craig to reflect on the irony of how our history helped shape a harsh line on those who come by boat and what a humane asylum seeker and refugee policy would look like.