Refugees factor in Australian polls

In less than a week, Australians will head to the polls to vote in the country's general elections.

Immigration is likely to be a key issue as opinion polls show many are concerned about asylum seekers who arrive in the country illegally by boat.

The major parties are taking a tough stand on asylum seekers. Julia Gillard, the prime minister, wants them sent to East Timor for processing, while Tony Abbott, the opposition leader, has repeatedly used the phrase "stop the boats".

But in Southern Queensland, some refugees have been welcomed and many have been taught the traditional skills of a "Jackaroo" or Australian herdsman.

Al Jazeera's Lisa Upton report from the southern Queensland town of Warwick.