There's no question that Australia's approach to dealing with asylum seekers is a hotly debated issue in the country today.

But has it always been like this?

According to a new book on the subject being launched in Sydney today, Australia's policy on refugees and asylum seekers has long been a contentious and controversial issue.

Across the Seas, by Swinburne University professor Klaus Neumann, investigates how Australia's response to refugees has evolved from Federation until 1977.

Professor Klaus Neumann joins Fran Kelly on RN Breakfast.