Robinson, Michael Massey (1744?-1826), an English-born Australian poet and civil servant, wrote some of the first poetry published in Australia. Robinson became the only poet in Australia to earn the title of “Poet Laureate.” However, critics have not ranked Robinson’s poetry highly in literary value.
Robinson’s best-known poems were patriotic odes written and recited in public to celebrate the birthdays of the King or Queen of England. The first one was published in 1810 in the official government newspaper the Sydney Gazette, which reported on the birthday celebrations. The newspaper published Robinson’s odes and continued the series for the next decade. In 1818 and 1819, he was granted two cows from the government herd “for his services as Poet Laureate.”
The exact year and place of Robinson’s birth is unknown, but many historians believe he was born in southern England in 1744. He attended Oxford University and then practiced law. Robinson wrote a libelous poem that led to his arrest on a charge of blackmail in 1796, and he was sentenced to death. Libel involves making a false written statement. But on the recommendation of the prosecutor, Robinson was instead transported to New South Wales, Australia, arriving there in 1798.
Although he arrived in Australia as a convict, Robinson’s experience as a lawyer in England gained him a number of important government positions. However, Robinson abused his authority, committing forgery and other illegal acts. He was sentenced to the penal settlement at Norfolk Island in 1805. He was allowed to return to Sydney the next year. Robinson served as principal clerk in the police office from 1821 until his death on Dec. 22, 1826.
