Investigations are easy to suggest. Yes they are easy and they should happen. It is just as easy to blame the ABC. Nothing however comes from that. Don't forget other media have covered this topic. That is why an investigation can find out exactly what happened - and hopefully see our Federal Government move in terms of well developed legislation. People involved in this case have been put in very difficult situations here and action is required. Surrogacy can't just be left up to the states. It is now a national issue.

NathanJ, "It is now a national issue"

You don't think it was before? What about citizenship and immigration policy as examples?

Through whipping up and managing the mob, the media are doing their best to sensationalise and spin this out as a never-ending story to wring the most out of it. Just in time because the Corby saga has been thoroughly played out.

The activists and media are like bulls in a china shop. It is a circus that fails to recognise any accomplishments and cooperation so far and causes disruption.

While the hacks of the trashy tabloid media (almost all of the media these days!) and the protesting mob are congratulating themselves for creating a right stir, it is always left to the original dedicated professionals including public servants who have to pick up the pieces. There is always a big set-back. Worse, some desperate, gutless politician has likely made some idiotic populist concession to the baying mob who are as usual, sadly clueless about the subject, other than the superficial headlines.

That is not democracy at work at all and it results in bad policy.

onthebeach,

Our Prime Minister has come on television morning programs in which he was interviewed and said this matter should be left to the states. It is very clever debating technique to avoid facing up to the issue. Some states have strong laws on this topic, others do not. At present states do need to address some of the issues at hand - in particular, Western Australia in relation to the Thailand case and the couple involved. However we do need national reforms and to simply say it wasn't an issue before - is correct - but why then didn't we see any legislation put forward by our federal government - and I am still waiting to hear any comments from other political parties on this topic - and what they will do to ensure quality legislation is put forward - a full investigation into this current matter, in which action is needed and will see better outcomes legislation wise. We can't change the past.

NathanJ,

Have you considered the possibility that the media and 'people power'(sic), might have inflicted more damage through their reporting and protesting?

The feckless, irresponsible media use people. I can see only victims.

There are times, in fact it is the usual case, where NO intervention and NO precipitative, populist decision is the best decision possible and the best outcome.

You want an investigation, but of what and for what outcomes?

From my point of view the media deserve a verbal spanking from their audience with a view to encouraging more principled, more ethical reporting. They have created a media circus as usual.

Australian authorities should gently enquire about the location, care and wellbeing of the child in Australia. Australia should not be attempting to horn in to interfere in another country or to give them advice.

Dear Nathan,

Damn straight I want an investigation into this
particular case. I watched the interview with
the Australian couple on "60 Minutes" last night.
And there were so many evasions that it changed
at least for me - the whole case. The biggest
question is how could a convicted Australian pedophile
with a preference for little girls, be allowed to
go into a surrogacy agreement in Thailand and be allowed
to bring home a baby girl? It appeared quite clear from
the TV interview that the little girl was this man's
primary concern - and not the twin baby boy who also
happened to have the handicap of "Downs Syndrome."
The entire obsession for this couple was coming back
to Australia as quickly as possible to prevent them losing
the little girl.

This matter is crying out for further investigation.

You imagine there haven't been investigations before? Here is an example,

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-10/gorman-second-thoughts/4809582

What did you say then, if anything?

Thailand is taking action against commercial surrogacy, so the offences will take place elsewhere and are already.

It is complex. It is the $$ transaction, usually prohibited by law that is usually at root of the problems.

In Australia commercial surrogacy is prohibited. Some support it though as a way of overcoming problems in commercial surrogacy overseas.

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/sep/02/australia-commercial-surrogacy

It has been well studied and examined by governments. There are no easy fixes that can be imposed unilaterally by Australia. What about the risk of creating Stateless children(for example)?

What are your suggestions apart from, 'Ain't it awful' and 'The government should investigate'?