Hi Allysha’s kind supporters,

Thank you for helping share Allysha’s story. Because of your efforts, the Daily Mail has now picked it up and run the story — a huge step forward.

Many people have asked why Allysha is facing this ordeal. The simplest answer is that there are only three legal pathways for an adopted child to obtain a visa in Australia:

Kinship adoption
Adoption through the Australian Intercountry Adoption Board
Expatriate adoption
At the time of Allysha’s birth, I had lived in PNG since 1985 and Marijun since 1991. Friends of ours had adopted while living there, and we wrongly assumed that private adoption was possible for anyone. We were mistaken — we did not know what we did not know. But our decision was never about rules or logic; it was made out of pure compassion for a child who needed a family.

It was only after Allysha had settled in Australia that we discovered the problem. When applying for her permanent visa, immigration authorities calculated our time abroad in 2009 and found we were 90 days short of qualifying as expatriates due to travel in and out of the country. That technicality has led to 16 years of struggle, and Allysha is now being punished for our mistake.

As her father, I can accept being called “dumb.” What I cannot accept is anyone saying I lack compassion. Compassion is the universal thread that binds humanity across all faiths:

Matthew 25:40: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Surah Al‑Baqarah (2:177): “Righteousness is… to give wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask, and for freeing slaves.”
The Buddha: “Have compassion for all beings, rich and poor alike; each has their suffering.”

So call me foolish if you wish, but do not say I lack compassion. Allysha’s supporters have shown compassion in action, and in these dark times, the world needs more people like you.

With gratitude,
Andrew Locke