If there is any truth to the allegations that the Royal Australian Navy was denied information about a sinking refugee boat last October, a tragedy that claimed 150 children for want of a rescue mission, then Australia's reputation will be stained and it's collective conscience will be heavy with guilt for years.

We will be seen as heartless elites who go to enormous lengths to throw lifelines to storm-battered solo yachts to our south while turning our backs on the overcrowded hulks ferrying the desparate and homeless to our north.

The claims require immediate and exhaustive examination.