Thursday, February 27, 2003

Australia: Human Rights 'Framed'

Here is a quick report on our Human Rights Commission approach on Framed (the quarterly magazine of Justice Action) being banned from all NSW prisons. After 42 issues went in.

Following our successful approach to HREOC in March 2001 on the Queensland government's rejection of Framed, we went back to HREOC. It had previously resulted in almost full access to all prisons in Australia, except the NT.

This time however, Corrective Services Commissioner Ron Woodham has decided to fight back. He was sent a letter by the HREOC asking him to respond to several questions regarding the past and present distribution of Framed in NSW prisons. Instead of responding to the questions, he responded to the HREOC epilogue, "I am also happy to consider anything you may wish to put to me as to whether I should continue with this inquiry."

To this, Woodham replied 10/2/03 that:

1) "Human Rights" only exist because the Commission says so.

2) The concepts of "act" and "practice" are defined differently in different situations. (The spin begins.)

3) In this situation, they are defined by Section 3 ("an act done by or on behalf of the Commonwealth or an authority of the Commonwealth")

4) NSW jails are run under State laws, even if prisoners are inside for Federal offences, therefore the Act doesn't apply to us.

5) Even if the Act applied to us, you don't have the power to do anything about it anyway. ("In any event, the ICCPR does not found justiciable rights.")

It was Woodham's opinion that the HREOC should not continue with the inquiry.

The matter hinges on the phrase "act done by or on behalf of the Commonwealth". In order to prove that Federal prisoners are under the jurisdiction of the HREOC, they have requested statements from Federal prisoners who have been denied access to Framed because of the actions of the Department.

We sent an urgent request out to our friends in NSW prisons. Unfortunately, many of the letters were intercepted, opened, and returned.

We received independent verification that these prisoners are in the jails. Woodham may think he's headed off the requests, but some got through as evidenced by this heartwarming letter:

"I received your request this morning and I personally know 6 federal long term inmates who are all happy to help. They have signed the letter. Its our pleasure to assist JA in any way we can."

The battle continues...

By Justice Action 27 Feb 03

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