Writer defends tsunami parody song

MELBOURNE - The writer of a song mocking Australia's response to the Indian Ocean tsunami has defended his work against critics who labelled it distasteful and ill-timed.

The song, Tsuna-Me, was aired by announcers Jay and The Doctor on the ABC's national youth radio station Triple J on Monday morning and has since been repeated.

The song was penned by Lindsay McDougall (The Doctor) and recorded by him at his home.

The lyrics attack the federal government's $1 billion rescue package and suggest Australians gave generously to tsunami appeals to salve middle-class guilt.

World Vision Australia chairman Tim Costello said the song's timing was insensitive.

"I said it was cynical and inappropriate and we should allow Australians to be recognised for their generosity in this moment," he said.

"Australians have been extremely generous and I think this is not the appropriate moment now for this thing."

Acting Victorian Premier John Thwaites said the tsunami was no laughing matter.

"The tsunami is probably the worst tragedy most of us have seen in our lives, so I wouldn't think anyone would want to see this to be subject of satire or any sort of insulting comments," he said today.

"I think that this is such a terrible event that really we should get on with just concentrating on helping the people that are affected."

But McDougall said he only regretted his vocal performance on the song.

"That's the only thing I will apologise for."

He said the song was intended as a parody of "cynical lyrics" on famine aid recordings Do They Know It's Christmas and We Are the World.

"I guess we also wanted to make a few points about the type of aid that first world governments have given," he said.

"The federal government has offered half its aid in the form of a loan to Indonesia, and I'm sure they won't appreciate that when they are trying to rebuild their country and have to repay it.

"Out of all the other tragedies and disasters it has taken something of this magnitude to get the majority of Australians to donate money.

"Darfur, Iraq, Tibet and East Timor have barely raised an eyebrow."

Spokesmen for the Australian Red Cross and Care Australian declined to comment.

- AAP