A new centre at the University of New South Wales is hoping to take the heat out of the debate over asylum-seekers.
It brings together experts at the world's first academic institution specialising in refugee law.
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Afghan refugee Bashir Yousufi is a Year 12 student.
"I was 14 years old when I left my country and it was extremely hard for me."
Andrew and Renata Kaldor are successful philanthropists.
And they all have something in common.
"My family packed up and fled using people-smugglers with forged documents."
The Kaldors started new lives in Australia after fleeing post-war Europe.
"It's a harrowing story but it's not unusual for many people. And they were absolutely desperate. They came out with nothing."
Bashir's father was killed by the Taliban and he feared he was facing a similar fate.
"I didn't have any options. That's why I said I'm gonna put myself on the boat."
He spent six months in detention before being accepted as a refugee.
Renata Kaldor says that background compelled her and her husband to speak out.
"There but for the grace of God go Andrew and I. We would never have come to this country if the policies that are now in place had been in place after World War 2."
The Kaldors are helping fund a new academic centre, headed by refugee expert Professor Jane McAdam.
"We haven't had a rational enlightened discussion about what people are fleeing from and what Australia's obligations are."
David Dixon is Dean of the University of New South Wales Law School.
"What we want is to see politicians who have got the analysis, the information, the broader view of refugee issue on the international stage to lead the debate."
Bashir is also hoping for a change in how Australian politicians handle refugee law.
His three younger brothers are still in Afghanistan.
"The experience that I have, that I've been through, I wouldn't let them to jump on the boat or come here."
And without that option, he doesn't know what the future holds for them.
