Mark Knight’s Cartoon, which appeared in the Herald Sun on October 27, 2009, contends that the Rudd Government is ambivalent and harsh in their policy on asylum seekers. He adopts a humourous, critical tone (established by the comical appearance of Rudd coupled with the serious situation presented by the boat people looking for asylum) to attempt to convince the readership that a more humane and friendly approach is needed.

Sad-faced asylum seekers depict Rudd as cruel and inhumane, adding to the reader’s sympathy for them. Juxtaposed to the asylum seekers are Rudd and the Oceanic Viking and its ominous appearance, giving Australia (firmly represented by the flag) a domineering and pitiless image. Knight tries to achieve this effect by making the ship seem massive compared to the boat (giving the reader the impression of a menacing ship and inspiring pity for the seemingly tiny and insignificant people). Rudd is positioned above the boat and is glaring down. This aims to signify to the reader that he is in control and indifferent to the boat people. The use of an obvious statement “this doesn’t look promising” as a quotation assists in developing the humourous tone but also has an underlying idea that Rudd is breaking his promises regarding asylum seekers. This invites the reader to feel betrayed and angry. Furthermore, “The Scandinavian Solution” draws parallels to the Tampa affair and aligns Rudd’s actions with those of Howard. This quip aims to aims to mock Rudd for being too similar to his predecessor and encourages the readership to expect a new approach from politicians.