Betty Cuthbert yesterday released balloons with the names of each of the Vietnamese Refugees imprisoned and detained at Christmas Island. Betty the 'Golden Girl' of Olympic fame had earlier in the week written to the PM and Immigration and Justice Ministers asking for their release.

This is a bold step by an Australian Icon, that she did not take lightly. It was motivated by her meeting with 5 of those released on TVP's and her belief in the freedom to run from persecution.

The Justice Minister could only respond on news that night that he had not recieved her request, which was untrue.

The voice of the people will be heard, despite the pathetic reporting of this event in the West Australian Newspaper on 3/9/04. The Journalist trivialised issues of incarceration and justice in Australia