Confessions of an Australian diplomat and people smuggler

It seems to me there is an evilness at play when a person like Al Jenabi becomes an enemy of the state.

So how should the issue of people smugglers be solved? Should they be seen as cutthroat moneygrubbers, cruel and careless with their human cargo? Are they responding to need and do they provide a service in a free-market environment? Where is the evidence that people smugglers are lacking in compassion? The truth is they are a mixed bunch - good, bad, compassionate and callous. Whatever their motivation and make-up this does not alter the essential nature of their service to refugees.

It is inconsistent and contradictory for the Government to take the moral high ground, accusing people smugglers of base motives, in the light of its own actions over Tampa, the children overboard incident and the prolonged detention of refugees, including children.

According to this Government, I am a people smuggler. I provided a service outside the marketplace, although one existed. I like to believe that the people I helped escaped injury or perhaps death and were able to lead a better life. Ali Al Jenabi has done no more or less.