Yes, of course, we need to protect our borders. Of course we need to ensure that no more people drown off shore from leaky and unseaworthy boats, and that people smugglers be put out of business.

But can we take responsibility for casting these people into a living hell of mental anguish, post traumatic stress and a life without hope simply so that we can achieve these goals?

Seeing the photos of all those babies in the paper recently was a stark reminder that we are talking about real human beings and not some fictional imaginary characters. 

There is a bit of a groundswell reaction across the country, and some state leaders are taking a stance in favour of mercy and compassion, but we need a lot more of it.  

I am reminded of the German Pastor Niemoller whose words have never aged. 

He is speaking about the Nazis who systematically tried to take over Germany. 

They first came for the communists and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a communist. 

Then they came for the Jews. I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Jew. 

Then they came for the Catholics and I didn’t speak up because I was a Protestant. 

Then they came for me and by that time there was no one left to speak up.

The recent High Court decision ruled in favour of the validity of the existing law. 

It did not address the basic moral and ethical flaws of that law.                               

As our politicians weigh up the decision to return these innocent human beings to a life in exile or behind barbed wire we can only hope and pray that justice, mercy and compassion will prevail, and Australia will be able to hold its head high as a country where we are proud to be its citizens.