We gave her and her parents asylum in Australia

Written 2011 in response to the Gillard Labor Government’s attempts
to get Malaysia to accept asylum seekers who had travelled to Australia. Not published

It’s a sleazy deal we can reveal –
not a treaty or agreement –
just an aspirational document.
Without justice, a slippery slope
betrayal, connivance and false hope.
Our dignity betrayed – humanity delayed.
The Light on the Hill has been stolen
by political opportunists – golden.
Well may be, just yellow.
So paint Julia black and send her back
to Malaysia.
See how she goes and if she crows
on her return to Australia.