When I heard about the questions QLD-born Kopika is asking her mum, Priya, my heart broke. She’s only five, but our politicians have wasted tens of millions of dollars detaining her on Christmas Island, 5,000km from her Biloela home.
Please - can you make today the day you pick up the phone and speak up for Kopika and her family?
When our politicians took Kopika and family from their Biloela home and put them in detention, Kopika was only two. Her sister, Tharnicaa, was just a baby.
For months, these politicians kept our little “Biloela cockatoos” locked away without adequate sunlight or fresh food, causing vitamin deficiencies and severe dental problems. When they tried to force them from Australia to danger, Priya and Kopika saw Serco guards drag their beautiful, loving Mum onto an unmarked plane.
It’s child abuse.
Please, will you tap here to make a polite call for Kopika and Tharnicaa now?
I’ve flown from Biloela to Christmas Island for these little girls twice. I’ve played with them. I’ve danced with them. I’ve sung them every Play School song I know.
I’ve seen the trauma. Bouts of crying. Night terrors. Periods of food refusal. It’s a testament to Priya and Nades’ love that they are raising such smart, sociable little girls, despite the cruelty of our politicians.
But now Kopika is asking questions that her Mum can’t answer. And neither can I.
Every morning, three Serco guards accompany Kopika and one parent to school. Every afternoon, three guards wait for her at the school gate.
If Kopika is invited to a classmates’ birthday party, the invitation must be delivered to the detention centre office. If she’s permitted to join her friends, three Serco guards hover on the edge of the party.
With hope,
Angela