Song definitely written by Ted Egan, based on hypocrisy of English bureauocrats & churchmen towards convict women sent to Australia.

I first recorded it, with Margot & Geraldine & Nerys as mentioned above, for Ted's "Drover's Boy" album (that version currently available on his "The Land Downunder" CD).

Subsequently I recorded a version with Mara Kiek & Jarnie Birmingham & Moya Simpson for my own "Fringe Benefits" CD.