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Tom Switzer

Tom Switzer is a senior fellow at the University of Sydney's United States Studies Centre and a host at the ABC's Radio National.

John Howard received an honorary doctorate from the University of Sydney on Friday.

Howard is demonised beyond rational understanding

The University of Sydney's decision to award John Howard an honorary doctorate – and the campus backlash it has provoked – is an occasion to reflect on our nation's second-longest serving prime minister.

John Howard and immigration minister Ruddock denied entry to 430 people aboard the Tampa 15 years ago this week.

Why John Howard was right on border protection

Tough border control not only discourages people from making perilous journeys on the high seas. It also, crucially, boosts public confidence in a large-scale, non-discriminatory migration program.