The loss of life at Christmas Island yesterday was tragic.There...

The loss of life at Christmas Island yesterday was tragic.

There are no other words for it, except that it was also "avoidable".

People have been forecasting this tragedy for a long time, and it's finally happened.

Very sad.

But, this is where leadership is needed from Gillard, not political spin. Let's see if she is up to the job.

We don't want dodging and weaving. We want the Government, our government, to do something to prevent the flood of illegal arrivals due to the actions of people smugglers.

cheers