Secret agents brief Bracks on 'seditious' protest

Australia: Melbourne: Thursday 20 October, 2005: A phalanx of "secret agents" delivered a written briefing to Premier Steve Bracks at Parliament House today to tip him off to potential "seditious activities" at a planned demonstration for civil liberties on Saturday.

"Intelligence" agents from the shadowy Bureau for Research into Activities Constituting Kriminal Sedition (BRACKS) delivered a letter to the Premier, warning that Victorian citizens may contravene the Commonwealth Crimes Act by "urging disaffection against the Government of the Commonwealth" at Saturday's rally.

"Our intelligence suggests that certain individuals disaffected with Premier Bracks and other State and Territory leaders will gather at Parliament House at 1pm on Saturday 22 October," said an agency spokesperson.

"It is believed that the source of this disaffectation is Mr Bracks' agreement, at the request of the Howard Government, to pass legislation to allow Victorians to be detained without charge for up to 14 days."

The agents attempted to quell potential seditious activities by displaying large placards which read "JUST TRUST US", "NOTHING TO SEE HERE" and "THERE IS NO RALLY ON 22/10 AT 1PM".

By B.R.A.C.K.S posted 21 October 05

Melbourne Indymedia

Related:

Shoot-to-kill bluff
AUSTRALIA: federal labor leader kim sleazley has predicted the federal dictatorship will fail in its push for a shoot-to-kill policy to be included in its counter-terrorism laws.

Sedition Laws Target Peaceful Civil Disobedience
The new Sedition Laws in the anti-terror bills clearly target people who call for acts of non-violent civil disobedience. Under the laws there is no defence for calling for change to any law by anything other than lawful means. Penalty is up to seven years jail.

Stanhope flags doubts on 'hasty' terrorism bill
ACT Chief Minister Jon Stanhope says he may refuse to sign off on parts of the Federal Government's hasty terrorism bill. Mr Stanhope published a draft of the controversial laws [draconian laws] on his website on Friday and has refused to take it down despite a directive from the Federal Government.

Despoja: Stanhope hero of the hour
Natasha Stott Despoja has described Mr Stanhope as the "hero of the hour". Senator Despoja says there is meant to be a vote on the draft legislation in the week beginning November 7.

Stanhope stands his ground
Stanhope: It is bizarre to think legislation of this significance can be rushed into Parliament without consulting a single Australian.

Anti-terrorism laws inquiry 'too short'
Australia: The Opposition says the inquiry effectively gives senators just one day to examine the bills. Labor's homeland security spokesman, Arch Bevis, says the inquiry will be unable to scrutinise whether the legislation provides a balance between security and civil rights.

Australia: Draconian laws draw rights watchdog's ire
Human Rights Watch has condemned Australia's proposed anti-terrorism laws as a "shocking departure" from its historical championing of the rights of the individual.

Dissent Isn't Taken Lightly Down Under
Historian Michael Foley said during times of war pacifists often get mugged. As a nonviolent activist working to end the war in Iraq and the corporate war profiteering that comes with it, September 2005 has been the most surreal time of my life and I definitely feel like I got mugged by Australian Attorney General Phillip Ruddock and the Australian government.

Australia: Rattling the cage
Recently, the federal government announced a controversial new 'counter-terrorism' package. Civil libertarians were quick to raise the spectre of a police state . Yet Muslim groups argued that the new security regime is already having an impact on the democratic freedoms and everyday safety of their communities.

AUSTRALIA: MUSLIMS SOLD OUT!
Hand picked alleged Australian Muslim leaders are being used to cut their own throats the same as the hand picked Indigenous mob have been used by the John HoWARd Government to screw ATSIC.

Anti-terrorism laws put rights at risk: Fraser
Former prime minister Malcolm Fraser says Australians could be treated unfairly under the Government's anti-terrorism [draconian] laws unless a human rights act is introduced.

Stop the war on civil liberties!
Prime Minister John Howard is using the "war on terror" to promote widespread fear about "terrorists" and "terrorism" in Australia. This is despite the fact that the biggest act of terror being committed today is being carried out by foreign troops, including Australia's, in occupied Iraq.

Spots and Stripes
It is well known that John Howard, infamous lackey and liar, is devoid of anything that could be remotely regarded as masculine or manly; the draconian measures he has implemented to 'secure' Australia against the terrorist bogeyman are astounding.

They know where you live
Twenty-four hours after the country's leaders agreed to draconian counter-terrorism laws this week, the Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, was playing down media claims that ASIO believed there were 800 would-be suicide bombers living in Australia.

When Terrorism Outlaws Democracy
On September 27, 2005, Australian democracy surrendered to terrorism. On that day, a coalition of willing federal and state leaders agreed to anti-terrorism legislation that will enable police persecution of the Muslim community and threaten dissidents with imprisonment. In a country without a Bill of Rights, the prospect of more draconian Terror Laws delivers ultimate control through fear. Australia, with its history of penal colonies, racism and detention centers, is now set to become a police state.

Evans: moderate threat
Evans doubts reports that 800 potential terrorists are living in Australia.

No! Your Rights Australia
You have the right to not remain silent.

800 people deemed a potential security risk?
As reported in the Australian today, ASIO has apparently identified up to 800 people deemed a potential security risk. Ruddock says the draconian COAG measures "deal with people who pose a risk to the safety and security of the Australian community." Hmmm, like detained and deported US peace activist Scott Parkin perhaps? What is this broad definition of a "Terrorist"?

Democrat Will Oppose Anti-Terrorism Laws
NSW Democrat MLC, Dr Arthur Chesterfield-Evans, has accused the Premier, Mr Morris Iemma, of selling out to John Howard after agreeing to new 'Anti-Terrorism' laws yesterday. Dr Chesterfield-Evans said the proposed laws agreed to by Morris Iemma will not work.

Mein Kampf by John Howard
Months before Bali Au warships were seen invading Iraqi territorial waters in deliberate provocations under American protection. It was obvious that Howard had decided before Bali to join in an illegal and aggressive invasion of Iraq and in fact , when that happened, it was led by Au stormtroopers BEFORE the ultimatum given Baghdad had even run out!

Collection of Terrorists Meet to Take Away Our Rights
Tomorrow (27th of September) the State Premiers and the Federal Government are meeting to conspire to strip Australians of their rights. Welcome to the brave new world of electronic tagging and "preventative" detention.

Tell Your State Premier: Don't Do Ruddock's Dirty Work
Over the past several years, the Howard government has passed a series of dangerous new laws. These laws have undermined our basic legal and democratic rights.

Australian government unveils legal framework for police state
In the lead-up to his September 27 "counter-terrorism summit" with the eight Australian state and territory leaders, Prime Minister John Howard last week unveiled a package of legislation that goes well beyond the already deep inroads made into essential civil liberties under the fraudulent banner of the "war on terrorism..."

Australia: Counter-liberty plans unveiled
AUSTRALIA: VIC: BLACK Hawk helicopters and fighter jets will patrol Melbourne's skies during the Commonwealth Games next March, as part of counter-terror measures outlined today.

John H.o.W.A.R.d line roars at Fascism Week
AUSTRALIA: Parody: (Rooters) - While Attorney General Phillip Duddock helped wrap up a US protester for Prime Meanster, John HoWARd during Australia's Fascism Week after a 5 day detention debut and the removal of Mr Scott Parkin a peace activist who was deported back to Houston, Texas. The h.o.W.A.R.d fascism line, adding a dash of despotism to a week of largely draconian styles.

Parkin charged $11,700 for detention and removal
Los Angeles Friday, 16 September, 2005 : American peace activist Scott Parkin arrived back in the US today, escorted by 2 Australian immigration officials. He is expected to arrive in Houson, Texas on a Continental Airlines flight at around 3pm AEST.

Government out of control on security: Wilkie
Australia: Canberra Thursday, 15 September, 2005 : Former intelligence analyst Andrew Wilkie today staunchly defended US peace activist and teacher, Scott Parkin, saying that the government's national security agenda is out of control.

Australia, USA, Iraq: Scott Parkin
The rapid and widespread response to the detention of US peace and global justice activist, Scott Parkin, has been heartening and effective on many levels. Actions have taken place in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns and outside several Australian Consulates in the United States.

Peace Activist Agrees to be removed but challenges security review
ATTENTION: CHIEFS OF STAFF - IMMIGRATION REPORTERS - LEGAL REPORTERS

Australia's fascist ideal: Proof
Philip Ruddock, Federal Attorney General to Australian, hopes to eclipse the neo-cons of the US in the race toward the fascist ideal of social uniformity and control (oppression).

Anti-War Extremists Loyal to Scott
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US Peace Activist to be Deported
Scott Parkin, a Texas based peace activist was detained by Federal police at approximately midday Saturday. He was en route to give a workshop about the progress and success of the peace movement in the US and companies profiting from the Iraq war.

Howard government threatens academic freedom
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'Different times' call for bill of rights, says QC'
To ensure no future government can erode basic human rights. Lex Lasry, QC, gave last night's key note address at the University of Western Australia's annual Day of Ideas.

Australia: a little dab will do ya .....
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Government warned Terror Laws "inherently dangerous, draconian and open to misuse" John North, Law Council of Australia: "In times of fear, it is easy for governments to impose ever (more) draconian laws."

Fishing expedition pays off
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The Terrorism of ASIO Laws
Wanda Fish asks Australian Senators to reject Howard's proposal to strengthen laws that already erode our basic legal rights. This legislation has the potential to turn ASIO agents into terrorists who can kidnap and detain innocent Australians simply because they "might know something".

Terrorgraph not quiet on 'Aussie militant' probe
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Phillip Duddock's 'accent' heard in militant broadcast
Australian/Arab television has broadcast a video showing a masked militant with an apparent Australian accent criticising British Prime Minister tony bliar over Iraq.

HICKS: Not a Happy Birthday!
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Australia: We're Living In A War Zone
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All the alleged terrorists are Muslims
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All the wicked witches in Pakistan?
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It's just not cricket: Khan
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Lawyer dismisses ASIO fishing raids as PR stunt
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Howard off to US, UK - part 5
PART-5- PRIME minister john hoWARd will meet US president george w buSHIT, British prime minister tony blair and queen 'imperialism' herself during a 10-day visit to the United States and the UK next month.

hoWARd, ruddock, ellison, keelty and news ltd plotted chaos
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Houses raided over 'possible' political attack plans?
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Is this our most dangerous Newspaper?
The Daily Terrorist should be managed with manacles and flown into Siberia via a jumbo jet tomorrow amid fears government fascists may attempt to use them again on someone else.

HOSTAGES OF THE WAR ON TERROR
This forum will bring together legal representatives and victims of counter-terror, along with justice campaigners and organisations in order to share strategies for achieving justice for these men and the many other like them.

WAR ON TERROR, WAR ON HUMAN RIGHTS: AMNESTY
The Canterbury-Bankstown Peace Group & the Justice for Hicks & Habib Campaign welcome the statement by Amnesty International Secretary General Irene Khan, condemning the US Administration for condoning torture and the suppression of 'human rights' in their 'war on terror'.

Murdoch's war on truth in war reporting
People who remain to be convinced that cross-media laws are important to maintaining the fabric of our democracy need look no further than today's page one of The Daily Telegraph.

Chomsky signs on for justice
Noam Chomsky has signed the Justice for Jack campaign petition which calls on the Australian Attorney General Philip Ruddock and Director of Public Prosecutions to "drop any charges reliant on records of interviews conducted under duress without the presence of a lawyer."

If he'd been given his passport he'd be a free man
A Sydney man [scapegoat in the Coalition of the Killings resource wars in the Middle East] has been found not guilty of preparing for a terrorist attack on a Commonwealth building [ruling class propaganda.]

Trial by unrelated video clips
Should alleged terrorist suspects [scapegoats for the resource wars in the Middle East] be shown on television side-by side-'terrorist training camp film clips' gathered by the government and media archives to give the wrong impression of accused people facing trial?

Accused Australian Citizen 'denied passport in 2002'?
AN AUSTRALIAN CITIZEN who was refused a passport by DFAT in mid-2002 became frustrated at the government for treating him differently.

Court should be told Gov't using 'Jack'!
A Melbourne court should have been told a man accused of working for Al Qaeda is being used by the fascist Australian Government as a pawn in their leverage to win support for their illegal and degrading activities.

Noble Cause Torture?
AUSTRALIA: The Labor Party has decided not to support a Senate inquiry into new allegations made by Mamdouh Habib that the Australian Government cooperated with Egyptian intelligence authorities who he insists tortured him.

New account adds weight to interrogation claims
Australia/Cuba/Iraq: The fascist Federal Government is under further pressure today because Australians were involved in the interrogation of tortured Iraqi prisoners.

Australian senate accused govt of war crimes
Did you hear the one about David Hicks and Mamdouh Habib having a Barbeque in Afghanistan with Bin Laden? Yeah it was reported on Channel Seven's Sunrise this morning! But they don't know if it was a sheep or a goat, but sources say it was most likely a goat.

DPP to appeal innocent man's bail
The Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) will seek to have an innocent Melbourne man Joseph 'Jack' Thomas, returned to isolation in custody?

Fascist Australian Govt torture exposed
The fascist Federal Government has been exposed for the torture of Australian Mamdouh Habib and the US Government's allegations against him (if they were true) would have been made under duress.

Innocent witch verballed by federal fascists!
Shame on the federal fascists. The wicked old witch is dead! A Melbourne Magistrates Court has heard that a 31-year-old innocent Victorian man was facing terrorism charges?

Lawyer blames police for Habib break-in
John HoWARd, Alexander Downer, Phillip Ruddock, Robert Hill, to name just a few....HOW DO YOU PLEAD?

No reason for Habib to sell story: Beazley?
Federal Agreement Leader Kim Beazley is a well-paid loser. A loser who supposed to be defending our democratic rights by standing up to the HoWARd Government's fascism.

Australia: a presumption of guilt......
KAREN PERCY: Two of Australia's leading barristers have seized on the return of Guantanamo Bay detainee, Mamdouh Habib, to launch an unprecedented attack on the Federal Attorney General, Philip Ruddock.

Aust Community criticises Govt for 'crimes'!
Australia: The Law Council of Australia is warning that the Federal Government must learn from its mistakes over Guantanamo Bay? Now that's a mistake!

Australian Govt Guilty of Crimes: Community
Australia: The community says federal fascists who allowed the torture of its citizenry including Mamdouh Habib may be arrested when the United Nations War Crimes Tribunal address the War Crimes Indictment set out by the community.

What they did to Habib
Mamdouh Habib was the victim of atrocities fit for a concentration camp, including being tied to the ground while a prostitute menstruated on him, his lawyer said yesterday.

Australian Federal Government complicity in war crimes
Complaint to Australian law officers about Australian Federal Government complicity in war crimes.

There is no justification for torture
In the weeks since the abuses at Abu Ghraib prison were revealed, evidence continues to seep out of similar mistreatment of prisoners in other US military detention centers in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo Bay.

Howard rejects spy agency overhaul
Prime Minister John Howard has played down the need for a major overhaul of Australia's spy agencies as a result of an inquiry by former intelligence officer Phillip Flood.

Fascist Australian Govt torture exposed
The fascist Federal Government has been exposed for the torture of Australian Mamdouh Habib and the US Government's allegations against him (if they were true) would have been made under duress.

Innocent witch verballed by federal fascists!
Shame on the federal fascists. The wicked old witch is dead! A Melbourne Magistrates Court has heard that a 31-year-old innocent Victorian man was facing terrorism charges?

Innocent Victorian man held in custody for Xmas?!
Lawyers have argued the case against Mr Thomas was weak and based on a statement he made in Pakistan without a lawyer present and therefore unlawful.

Innocent Melbourne man makes second bail bid
Rubish, just plain propaganda, fear-mongering, draconian nonsence from the HoWARd goverment's war agenda stink tank.

MPs to review spy agency powers
Australian spy agency ASIO'S controversial powers to detain and question suspected terrorists [scapegoats for HoWARd's resource wars] will be re-examined by a parliamentary committee. Parliament passed the new counter-terrorism powers in July last year.

Goulburn Jail breaches UN standards
NSW: Greens MP Lee Rhiannon has called on Justice Minister John Hatzistergos to bring Goulburn Jail's Maximum Security Wing into line with United Nations standards, after a prison inmate's covert survey of his fellow inmates revealed problems with rehabilitation programs and basic amenities.

Lodhi toilet paper: crap!
He is facing nine charges and is accused of planning a major terrorist attack on Sydney defence sites and the electricity grid using downloads off the internet and having 100 rolls of toilet paper to wipe his arse after low level bombs and farts.

Brain injury for suspicion 'inhumane'
Faheem Khalid Lodhi refused bail by a Sydney court and remanded until June in hell at the (HARM-U) High Risk Management Unit at Goulburn. While he is in there he will receive a brain injury and is likely to self-harm due to the gross violation of living standards.

Ul-Haque 'the man who wants to become a doctor'
The taskforce is investigating French man Willie Brigitte, who was tipped back home for a visa breach. Allegedly the Un-Australian Newspaper claimed he also attended training camps before his six-month stay in Sydney. Police have not alleged Mr Ul-Haque knew Brigitte. The Un-Australian just mentioned it because they are 'you guessed it' up John Howard's butt and they like the USA want 'you guessed it' our Federal Government. Well Yankee go home!

Daily Terror rolled-over for Howard's war games
The DAILY TERROR is suspected of being the source of the news this morning that Willie Brigitte is a terrorist and that Sydney faces a bomb attack.

Ruddock foreshadows new terrorism laws
The new laws will allow police to access emails and mobile phone SMS messages, enable wider use of surveillance devices, and protect sensitive national security information during terrorism trials.

Community seeks more power to interrogate ASIO suspects
Greens Senator Bob Brown does not think increased police powers are necessary. "We have enormous powers for surveillance, apprehension or punishment of people who are engaged in or intending to engage in or thinking about being engaged in terrorist acts in this country," he said.

Greens warn of 'politicised' terror trials
AUSTRALIA/CUBA?: The Australian Greens say they are concerned that new anti-terrorism laws being debated in the Senate allow for the "political black-banning" of defence lawyers at terrorism trials.

Lawyer claims Al Qaeda suspect's evidence tainted!
Before returning to Australia last year, Thomas was arrested and held in custody for five months by Pakistani authorities before being released without charge.

Man terrorised by ASIO remanded in 'AA' isolation!
A Victorian man has been remanded in custody after being charged with terrorism offences, including having links to Al Qaeda?

Melbourne man charged over ASIO links
ASIO a know Australian terrorist organization is verballing the community again...about allegations that a man, while living overseas, received funds from Al Qaeda and had close association with the members of the terrorist group.

DING DONG! THE WITCH IS DEAD
A court has been told Joseph Thomas is a sleeper? ZZZ! Melbourne Australia: A court has been told that Osama bin Laden asked a Melbourne man to become a "sleeper" in Australia before undertaking activities for the Al Qaeda network? Munchkins: "Ding Dong! The Witch is dead. Which old Witch? The Wicked Witch! Ding Dong! The Wicked Witch is dead."

AFP: The unlikely CRIMINAL
It was born of a bombing and it made its name after a far more devastating act of terrorism. But for most of the 25 years in between, little was known about the Australian Federal Police force or the work it did.

Mamdouh Habib: Taunted and Tortured!
Four Corners [Walls]: Terrorist - or Taunted by the Australian Defence Force who sacked him as a cleaning contractor? Who is Mamdouh Habib? And why was he harassed by the Australian Federal Police? Then tagged and labelled as a spy? Why was he vilified by the community? When he fled to Pakistan how did he end up being tortured in Egypt? And how did he end up at Guantanamo prison camp reserved for the men America calls "the worst of the worst.

He was an undercover agent for the blues
He was my journalist, he was working undercover. The fellow knew all of the moves.... He really had me romping, bare footing stomping. He just kept igniting my fuse....

Up there Khasali: Innocent man new bail laws
The New South Wales Supreme Court has asked innocent man Bilal Khazal to increase to amount of surety offered, before the bail is formally continued.

HEY! BIG BROTHER? LET INNOCENT PEOPLE GO!
Young men terrorised, tortured, and threatened with charges for no crime by Australia mate the lucky country. Lucky if you're not used for Howard's FEDERAL ELECTION and George Dubya's WAR ON LIBERTY! Who shot liberty? IGNORANCE!

Keelty foresees more terrorism
Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commissioner Mick Keelty says terrorist groups will continue to find new ways to threaten countries.

Islamic movement denies links to Al Qaeda
The Islamic Youth Movement has denied having any links to Al Qaeda and says it is considering legal action against the Four Corners program. In a statement released early this morning, the group rejects allegations it is helping coordinate any kind of terrorist network inside Australia and says it is being unfairly targeted.

2nd Renaissance -10 The War on Witches [150]
In 1484, Pope Innocent VIII issued a Papal Bull that became the rationale for establishing the Inquisition in Germany. The following excerpt from the Bull sets out the official view of the danger of witches to the community. The Bull and this this passage provided the sole excuse for the torture and cruel executions that were, ultimately, to be the fate of up to fifty percent of the population of some villages.

DENIS DOES DALLAS:

The Northern Territory Country Liberal Party Opposition leader, Denis Burke, has suffered a political tsunami in the state elections, with a big swing against him in his seat of Brennan.

Denis Burke, the lone Australian political leader who supported the reintroduction of capital punishment in Australia, learned last night that Northern Territory voters are the wiser.

Last night, a thunderous roar went up with predictions that Denis is almost certain to lose his seat to his Labor namesake, James Burke.

Country Liberal Party supporters are at a loss to explain the huge swing against the Liberal Party, saying the swing to Labor is worrying. In contrast, Chief Minister Clare Martin, a strong opponent of capital punishment, has won her seat of Fannie Bay, comfortably.

Let's recap:

In 2003, ACADP conducted a telephone poll with all political leaders across the nation. They were asked whether they would support calls for the reintroduction of capital punishment in Australia. Every political leader from the Liberal, Labor, Democrats, Green and National Parties said they are opposed to the death penalty and would never support its reinstatement.

All but one... the Northern Territory Liberal Opposition Leader, Denis Burke. He was the lone political leader in favour of the reintroduction of capital punishment. Denis said he supported the death penalty in Australia under certain circumstances.

The Northern Territory has the highest Aboriginal incarceration rate in Australia. The United Nations Human Rights Committee and Amnesty International have criticised Denis in the past, for passing legislation on discriminative mandatory sentencing laws.

Within the last two years, ACADP has tried to contact Denis on a number of occasions to discuss the issue of capital punishment. Alas, Denis has never returned our calls. Why?

However, Denis managed to find time to voice his support for the re-introduction of capital punishment on the Derryn Hinch Program on Melbourne Radio 3AW. Hinch, a long time media journalist and supporter of capital punishment is also battling a public outcry over another matter. His days as media journalist now seem numbered.

The Federal Government does not have the power to impose the death penalty on any State or Territory in Australia. But it does have the power to block any State or Territory from reintroducing the death penalty.

Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act - Section 109:---"Inconsistency of laws - When a law of a State is inconsistent with a law of the Commonwealth, the latter shall prevail, and the former shall, to the extent of the inconsistency, be invalid."

The last state politician to seriously venture forth on the reintroduction of capital punishment was former Western Australian state premier, Richard Court. He had to back down in the face of an outcry so great, that he soon said he had been misquoted. He had for some time supported the notion of a referendum for the re-introduction of capital punishment, believing that the public was strongly in favour. To his surprise, he discovered that voters had dumped him out of office at the following state elections.

In a letter to ACADP dated 4/10/2000, Richard Court stated that he had decided against holding a referendum because civilised democratic societies have established courts of law and appellate procedures to prevent the fate of individuals, however unpopular they are, being decided by the unreasoned and unstable force of "public clamour".

Rumour has it, that Denis Burke is now considering moving to Texas.

By ACADP 19 June 05

**************************************************
AUSTRALIAN COALITION AGAINST DEATH PENALTY
Australian Students Against Capital Punishment
**************************************************
The Premier Australian Internet
Resource on Capital Punishment

Related:

THE LIFE OF WHALES OVER-RIDES HUMAN LIFE:
Mr Howard has warned Japan that it faces global condemnation if it kills whales. Mr Howard is often quoted as saying he cannot and he would not interfere in the business and laws of sovereign states. Whaling is a part of the Japanese culture. The death penalty is also a part of many countries culture.

THE DEATH PENALTY - WORLDWIDE
During 2004, at least 3,797 people were executed in 25 countries. At least 7,395 people were sentenced to death in 64 countries. These figures are only reported cases - the true figures were certainly much higher - many countries continue to execute people in secret.

WHY IS THE HOWARD GOVERNMENT PLAYING 'DEATH' WITH AUSTRALIANS: There has been much controversy recently on whether the Australian Federal Police should have tipped-off the Indonesians over the arrest of the Bali Nine. Due to the fact that Indonesia executes convicted drug-traffickers, ACADP believes that any evidence collected by AFP should have been withheld from Indonesian authorities until they have a written guarantee not to pursue the death penalty for the Bali Nine.

Death penalty-free zone in Europe and Central Asia
A coalition of non-governmental organizations is calling for a death penalty-free zone in Europe and Central Asia.

THE HIDDEN TRUTH ABOUT EXECUTIONS:
For death row inmates in Indonesia, execution usually comes on a deserted beach or remote jungle at the hands of a paramilitary firing squad. And, it rarely comes fast.

DESTROY CHEMICALS OF MASS DESTRUCTION:
The Australian Coalition Against Death Penalty (ACADP) is (again) calling on U.S. President George W. Bush, to join the civilised world and destroy all chemicals of mass destruction, for the dignity and respect of every human life.

LIFE ON A THREAD:
The difference between life and death can rest on the whim of a president or the ability of a lawyer. Whether or not the death penalty can be justified is very much up for grabs.

THE POT CALLING THE KETTLE BLACK:
US: The American media reports that thousands of Iranians cheered, whistled and clapped as a serial killer was publicly executed in Iran last week.

USA - FEELING THE HEAT FROM INTERNATIONAL FIRE:
The United States of America has withdrawn from an international agreement that gives detained foreign nationals the right to seek assistance and talk to their consular officers.

Corby lawyer pleads for Australian help
Schapelle Corby, 27, is accused of carrying over four kilograms of marijuana into Bali and could be sentenced to death if she is found guilty.

OHIO: Appeals court tosses death sentence for U.S.-British citizen
In Cincinnati, a federal appeals court on Tuesday threw out the conviction and death sentence of a man with dual U.S.-British citizenship who was convicted of killing a 2-year-old girl by starting a fire in his ex-girlfriend's apartment.

THE INNOCENT SCOT ON DEATH ROW IS ALMOST FREE
If you haven't heard about it yet, you will. There's a celebration in the air: Kenny is an innocent man living on death row in an Ohio prison and the authorities may finally acknowledge what we've known all along.

EXPENSES FOR STATE-ASSISTED SUICIDE EXCEEDS $33,000.00
To prepare for Connecticut's first state-sanctioned killing in 45 years, the state Department of Corrections has spent more than US$33,000 on such items as training personnel, drugs (poison), intravenous catheters and tubing, portable restrooms, mobile offices, lighting and curtains for the witness observation room.

Child Offenders on Death Row
Recent Australian studies of alcohol and cannabis use show that girls are increasingly inclined to behave boldly. But boys out number the girls, two to one; and three to one in the juvenile justice system, mortality figures, speeding infringements and car crash statistics.

US death row numbers don't change policy?
The number of prisoners on death row in the United States appears to be falling, mostly credited to a single Governor who commuted the sentences of all the death row prisoners in his state.

Despite Drop in Crime, an Increase in Inmates
US: The number of inmates in state and federal prisons rose 2.1 percent last year, even as violent crime and property crime fell, according to a study by the Justice Department released yesterday.

How Denying the Vote to Ex-Offenders Undermines Democracy
For starters, hundreds of thousands of people who are still eligible to vote will not do so this year because they will be locked up in local jails, awaiting processing or trials for minor offenses.

DNA Evidence of Bipartisanship
Last week the U.S. Congress passed the Justice for All Act, which includes provisions of the Innocence Protection Act. As of this posting, the legislation has not yet been signed by President Bush. Attached is an analysis of the legislation prepared by the Justice Project.

Our Two Priority Bills sent to White House
US: The 8th National CURE Convention last June lobbied on Capitol Hill the Innocence Protection Act in the Senate and the Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Act of 2004 in the House. On Sunday, October 10th, Congress passed both bills and sent them to the President to be signed.

THE LAW IS AN ASS:
US: A Californian man who beheaded a german shepherd dog he had named after his girlfriend, has been sentenced to 25 years to life under California's three-strikes law.

SAVE THE LIFE OF NGUYEN TUONG VAN:A PLEA TO SINGAPORE PRESIDENT On behalf of the Australian Coalition Against Death Penalty (ACADP) and in the spirit of respect for human life, I make a heartfelt plea for clemency, compassion and mercy, to spare and save the young life of Nguyen Tuong Van, currently under sentence of death at Changi Prison in Singapore. Nguyen Tuong Van, is a 23-year-old Australian man of Vietnamese origin. Nguyen was arrested at Changi Airport in December 2002, whilst in transit from Cambodia to Australia. He was later charged and convicted of drug-trafficking. In March 2004 he was sentenced to death for his crime.

EXTRADITION ACT FLUSHED DOWN THE TOILET
A long-standing convention not to extradite people out of Australia if they face the death penalty has been abandoned.

BIRTHDAY PROTEST BACKS INNOCENT MAN ON DEATH ROW:
Kids from 3 to 83 years old beat candy labeled "Justice" out of a big Texas-shaped piqata on Aug. 1 as dozens gathered in the Houston City Hall Park to celebrate the 30th birthday of Nanon Williams, an innocent person on Texas death row.

THE LAND OF BIBLES, GUNS, PATRIOTS AND THE 'WORLD ROLE MODEL' FOR HUMAN RIGHTS: The state of Alabama, USA, executed James Barney Hubbard. So what? ... you might say ... America executes prisoners almost every week!

Appealing a Death Sentence Based on Future Danger USA-HOUSTON, June 9 - Texas juries in capital cases must make a prediction. They may impose a death sentence only if they find that the defendant will probably commit more violent acts.

Forensics? In proposing a new death penalty for Massachusetts last month, Governor Mitt Romney offered firm assurance that no innocent people would be executed: Convictions, he said, will be based on science.

Silencing the Cells: Mass Incarceration and Legal Repression in U.S. Prisons People without a voice are not people in any meaningful sense of the word. Silenced people cannot express their ideas; they can neither consent nor protest. They are reduced to being pawns in the schemes of the powerful, mendicants who must accept whatever is imposed upon them. In order to keep people in a state of subjugation, silencing their voices is essential. Nowhere is this clearer than in U.S. prisons.

U.N. Group Seeks End To Executions The United States, Japan, China, India and Muslim nations including Saudi Arabia opposed the resolution. Burkina Faso, Cuba, Guatemala, South Korea and Sri Lanka abstained.

US: Execution Dear Friends, this is so sad especially for our dear friend, San Nguyen. San who lives in Oklahoma worked very hard with the rest of the Vietnamese community to stop Mr. Le's execution. You may remember San from being at CURE's First International Conference in New York City in 2001. San also plans to be at the 8th National Convention this June in Washington. Charlie

Please contact the Governor The Vietnamese-American Community, the ACLU, and many others want the March 30 execution of Huang Thanh Le commuted.

Cherie Blair attacks US over death penalty in Catholic paper Cherie Blair has renewed her attack on America's use of the death penalty. In a book review in the Catholic journal The Tablet, under her maiden name Cherie Booth, she says: "Capital cases are uniquely prone to error and thus call into question whether we can ever be really sure of obtaining the just result.

Death penalty: a lawyer sees the light The observation "Americans are from Mars and Europeans are from Venus" is illustrated by the two nations' differing reactions to the use of the death penalty as a legitimate punishment for murder.

OHIO: Judges join dissent on execution delay In Columbus, 5 federal appeals court judges say a convicted killer's request to delay his execution was illegally denied because 2 senior judges participated in the vote.

Stephen Romei: Death knell sounds for US capital law GEORGE Ryan gets my vote as Australian of the Year, even though he's the outgoing governor of the US state of Illinois. There's just no one I admire more right now, not even Greg's Kables Community News Newtwork..

Mexico Awaits Hague Ruling on Citizens on U.S. Death Row Sbaldo Torres, a convicted murderer on death row in Oklahoma, should have been dead by now, his appeals exhausted, his time up.

Jury Passes On Business Of Killing US: This drives the death penalty crowd in the legislature nuts. Yet another jury - another 12 men and women, tried and true, who had all attested to their belief in the death penalty - has refused to join in the killing business.

Ultimate Punishment Scott Turow has long juggled two careers‹that of a novelist and that of a lawyer. He wrote much of his first and best known legal thriller, Presumed Innocent, on the commuter train to and from work during the eight years he spent as an Assistant United States Attorney in Chicago, and he has churned out another blockbuster every third year since joining the firm of Sonnenschein Nath and Rosenthal in 1986.

A Question of Innocence Rubin Carter: Day after day, week after week, I would sit in that filthy cell, seething. I was furious at everyone. At the two state witnesses who lied, at the police who put them up to it, at the prosecutor who sanctioned it, at the judge who allowed it, at the jury who accepted it, and at my own lawyer, for not being able to defeat it.

Amnesty steps up campaign to abolish death penalty Human rights watchdog Amnesty International is urging people around the world to pressure countries to abolish the death penalty.

'LAND OF THE FREE' SET TO EXECUTE TWO PRISONERS BY FIRING SQUAD: Wanted: Willing executioners for two convicted murderers. Must be psychologically sound and familiar with .30-calibre rifles. No victims' relatives need apply.

TEXAS EXECUTES 300th PRISONER Keith Clay was executed tonight, becoming the 300th prisoner in Texas to die by lethal injection since the rogue state resumed the death penalty 20 years ago.

AUSTRALIAN COALITION AGAINST DEATH PENALTY " ... Our nation was built on a promise of life and liberty for all citizens. Guided by a deep respect for human dignity, our Founding Fathers worked to secure these rights for future generations, and today we continue to seek to fulfil their promise in our laws and our society.

Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty Please note the following article carefully.....it shows clearly the hateful, uncaring and anti-human rights attitude as reflected by the Governor of Texas (and most other elected Texas officials).

Bush rules out death sentence review US President George W Bush says has dismissed any chance of a review of America's system of capital punishment.

Amnesty urges Bush to shut death row Human rights watchdog Amnesty International has urged US President George W. Bush to take a "moral stand" and abolish the death penalty after the Illinois Governor dramatically emptied that state's death row.

USA - A NATION IN TURMOIL: As the year 2002 draws to a close, little if anything, has changed in the United States in regards to state-sanctioned killing. Various campaigns, calls for clemency, petitions, and international condemnation, have failed to humanize U.S. politicians.

Here come de Judge - Time to Leave [266]
There have always been examples of rulings and interpretations that have supported the saying "The law is an ass". This is increasingly the case, because even the best intentioned judges are now facing an avalanche of new technologies and social change. But, it is no good making excuses for the judiciary and continuing to accept their strange interpretations. We must recognise that not only judges but the whole legal system will struggle more and more. In the end the whole system will become a farce. This is the way empires end.

State axes problem gambling research

Melbourne: The State Government has abandoned research into problem gambling's links to crime and depression, prompting criticism from gaming reform advocates.

It has also shelved studies into the media's role in influencing gambling behaviour and an analysis of gaming operators' loyalty programs.

Research into cultural influences on gambling and the early detection of problem gamblers has also been cancelled.

The decision not to proceed with the research - set by Victoria's recently abolished independent Gambling Research Panel - comes as the Government faces pressure to release completed gambling studies.

Confidential research revealed last month found Labor's policy of moving gaming machines from low-income areas had failed to stem problem gambling. This research, and at least two other gambling studies, are yet to be released.

Interchurch Gambling Taskforce chairman John Dalziel said the cancellation of the studies, particularly those examining crime and depression, was disappointing.

Mr Dalziel, a member of the Responsible Gambling Ministerial Advisory Council, said research into crime and depression was urgently required.

"Crime and depression are two key elements of measuring the social impact of gambling," Mr Dalziel said. "I think that research had the industry and the Government worried because it had the potential for being so negative that it would become absolutely clear gambling in certain areas should not be allowed."

Former Gambling Research Panel chairwoman Linda Hancock said shelving the research meant there would be no new gambling research in Victoria for at least 12 months.

Professor Hancock said the Government should do more research on the impact of problem gambling. And studies into gambling and crime and depression should be a priority.

Responsible Gambling Advocate Kerrie Cross is in charge of gambling research following last December's demise of the research panel.

She is yet to develop a research agenda but has signalled she favours a national approach.

The recently revealed confusion in senior Government ranks over the future of the study into gambling and crime.

Ms Cross said last month she did not believe the study was appropriate for her to do.

But Gaming Minister John Pandazopoulos said the research would be valuable.

Senior counsel Philip Dunn said research into gambling's links to crime was essential because the courts were becoming clogged with people who had gambling problems.

Opposition gaming spokesman Ken Smith said the Government was "crazy" to cancel the research and the Gambling Research Panel should be reinstated.

Debate over the research comes as the Government seeks to replace two key staff members from its gambling policy area.

Sources say that the Government's director of gambling policy and research, Michael Wheelahan, has decided to take up another public service position. Ms Cross's assistant, Leigh Barrett, has quit to join gaming giant Tabcorp.

By Richard Baker posted 24

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Ad shames gamblers:that's a shame for pokie owners
An advertising campaign showing a woman leaving her partner because he is a problem gambler has upset poker machine operators, even though it has caused gamblers to flood a helpline.

Fears for poor if Social Services take a social slide?
About 350 clubs and pubs have applied for permission to install about 2300 extra poker machines in their venues in a process that could see machines move from richer to poorer suburbs.

Club expects more problem punters
The Tigers' plan for a super club with 450 poker machines at the SuperDome could create almost 100 new problem gamblers in the five kilometres around the site, according to the Balmain club's application submitted to licensing authorities.

Parole Board Membership

NSW: The Law Society is aware that two former long standing police officers Mr Robert Inkster, an Mr Peter Walsh, were appointed to the Parole Board as Community Members for a period of three years from 17 January 2005 until 16 January 2008.

The Law Society is concerned at the potential perception of bias on the Parole Board due to the strong representation of former police officers serving as Community Members.

The NSW Police Service has representative serving as and Official Member on the Parole Board pursuant to section 183(2)(b) of the Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Act 1999. At least ten community members are appointed to the Parole Board who are to reflect as closely as possible the composition of the community at large (s183(2)(e)).

The Law Society acknowledges that it would be unfair to preclude someone with a police service background being appointed as a community member on the grounds that he or she is not representative of the community.

However, members of the public may perceive that Parole Board members who are former police officers may tend to favour the interests of the NSW Police, which are narrower than the interests of the community.

Including two former members of the NSW Police as Community Members is not keeping with the need for a broad range of views being available to the Parole Board, preferably from parties who are not open to being accused of bias because of their present or former careers.

While the Law Society is not suggesting that there will be actual bias on the Parole Board, it is concerned that the perception of bias should be avoided.

The Law Society suggests that when future Community Members are appointed that the perception of bias is an important matter to be taken into consideration.

NSW Legislative Council Hansard 01/03/2005

The Hon, Peter Breen: My question is directed to the Minister for Justice and Minister for Fair Trading. Is the Minister aware that Robert Bruce Inkster and Peter John Walsh, both policemen, have been appointed as community representatives to the Parole Board?

Does the Minister agree that those appointments do not reflect the composition of the community at large, as specified in the relevant legislation?

Does the Minister acknowledge a potential conflict of interesting that Mr Inkster and Mr Walsh may have had previous dealings as serving policeman with inmates whose parole the are reviewing?

Does the Minister acknowledge that the relevant legislation has a provision for at least one police officer to be appointed to the Parole Board?

Is it the Minister's intention to stack the Parole Board with current and former police officers?

The Hon. John Hatzistergos: The answer to the questions seriatim are: Yes, no, no yes and no.

NSW Parole Board and the Politics of NSW Prisons

Case No 1 Prisoners Letter to Bob Carr. Dear Premier, I refer to my complaints that the Parole Board and the Department of Corrective Services are acting contrary to imposed sentences and sentencing law principles.

Unlawful Parole Considerations

Probation and Parole Officers fulfill an important role within the criminal justice system by supervising, managing and providing assistance to offenders on conditional liberty?

Probation and Parole in NSW

Since I requested some help from Justice Action and the authorities just before Xmas for the then corrections personnel to assist me I was moved so that my parole prospects would be thwarted even further.

PAROLE

Well firstly thank you for sending the latest copy of Framed Magazine to me. I was very surprised, as I had no idea that I was still on your books. If you like I can send some more drawings for possible submission in the future.

Probation and Parole in NSW

I am a prisoner at the Goulburn Prison I refer to the New South Wales Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Act 1999 Sect 135.

By Just Us 21 May 05

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Corrected or Corrupted
A psychiatrist from the prison Mental Health Team attached to Queensland Health made the comment that 25 per cent of inmates suffer from a diagnosed mental illness.

ICOPA XI International Conference on Penal Abolition
We are excited to announce that ICOPA X1, the eleventh International Conference on Penal Abolition will happen in Tasmania, Australia from February 9 - 11,2006. Please pass this onto all networks.

Ex-Prisoner Locked Out of Prison
The NSW Department of Corrective Services (DCS) has revealed a policy which bans ex-prisoners from entering prisons.

Justice Action: Access to our community
NSW: Justice Action went to the NSW Supreme Court before the last Federal election on the constitutional right for prisoners to receive information for their vote. The government avoided the hearing by bringing prisoners' mobile polling booths forward. We pursued it after the election. This is the report.

Why We Oppose Home Detention
NSW: Justice Action opposes the use of Home Detention (HD). It damages the family and the home for others without any consideration of the effects, or acknowledgement of the costs. It discriminates by disproportionately effecting women. Families become prison guards to their loved ones, and the home becomes an extension of the State.

MORE PRISONERS LOCKDOWNS HAVE OFFICERS ON EDGE
NSW POLICE Commissioner Ken Moroney has issued an ultimatum as well, to the lawless youths holding Sydney's streets to ransom?: Learn some respect or face jail?

Tough line on crime fills jails
The tough law-and-order policies of governments around the nation are behind an explosion in the prison population by almost 80 per cent in the past two decades.

LEGAL VISITS AT PARKLEA PRISON
I am a prisoner in NSW and I am currently held in Parklea Prison. I am concerned about what is going on in NSW prisons and this is my story.

Parklea Prison: No calls for six days
The last calls that were made out of Parklea Correctional Complex by my partner, an inmate in remand at Parklea, was on Wednesday 2 February. The phone lines for the inmates have been out of service to this date.

Prison visits in crisis in NSW
The reason I am writing today is to address a difficult situation that my husband and my family are going through. My husband is currently serving a sentence at Lithgow Correctional Centre in NSW.

Prison boom will prove a social bust
Hardened criminals are not filling NSW's prisons - the mentally ill and socially disadvantaged are, writes Eileen Baldry.

The prison system requires assiduous oversight
As NSW Attorney General Bob Debus noted in 1996: "The kinds of complaints which occur in the system may seem trivial to outsiders but in the superheated world of the prison, such issues can produce explosive results."

Crime and Punishment
Mark Findlay argues that the present psychological approach to prison programs is increasing the likelihood of re-offending and the threat to community safety.

Justice Denied In NSW Corrective Services
There used to be a (VJ) or Visiting Justice who would go into the prison and judge any claim or accusation that was made by any prisoner or prison guard. If it were found that a prisoner had offended then punishment was metered out.

Prison guards test positive for drugs
NSW prison visitors banned from using the toilet The visit is only for about one hour and any thing less than that is an insult. If it's proved that a visitor has broken the rules the punishment should apply to them. But collective punishment on all visitors should not be made general when others haven't broken the rules especially if it restricts all visitors from normal human needs like using a toilet.

NSW prison visitors banned from using the toilet
The New South Wales Government has introduced several initiatives to stop contraband getting into prisons they said last Friday. But under the guise of "stricter rules" the department had also introduced banning all visitors including children from using the toilet unless they terminate their visit at any NSW prison after using the toilet.

NSW Legislative Council's Inquiry on Home Detention
Justice Action's submissions Justice Action opposes the use of home detention, whether front-end or back-end, as a sentencing option in our criminal justice system.

Watchdogs slaughtered in NSW
On Tuesday the Carr Government reduced transparency and accountability yet again and New South Wales is in danger of becoming entrenched with cronyism and intimidations with the Carr Labor Government that continues to slaughter the watchdogs.

COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIVE SERVICES AND MR MIDDLETON

NSW Legislative Council Hansard (Proof) Proof, NSW Legislative Council Hansard, 23 March 2005, COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIVE SERVICES AND MR MIDDLETON Page: 59

The Hon. Dr ARTHUR CHESTERFIELD-EVANS [6.04 p.m.]: Often I am disappointed by both the content and tone of questions and answers in this House, and the response I received to a question I asked on Tuesday 22 February is no exception. I asked the Minister for Justice:

(1) In the case of Middleton v Commissioner of Corrective Services of New South Wales did Justice Dowd make orders that the Commissioner of Corrective Services and the Governor of Lithgow Correctional Centre reconsider their decision to deny the plaintiff access to appropriate computer facilities to continue the study of two engineering degrees?

(2) (a) Given that the plaintiff, Mr Middleton, was allowed access to a computer to do his studies while incarcerated in Queensland, does this reflect badly on your department? (b) How does this correspond with the commitment to rehabilitation of prisoners?

The Minister responded:

(1) The orders of the Supreme Court are a matter of public record. The member is referred to them.

(2) (a) The implication in the question is rejected.

(b) The Department of Corrective Services is committed to the rehabilitation of offenders. The Department considers that while tertiary studies may assist inmates to obtain gainful employment upon release, it is of primary importance for inmates to address the causes of the offending behaviour. Mr Middleton is a maximum security inmate who has been convicted of a number of serious charges including armed robbery, and is awaiting sentence. When he has addressed the causes of his offending behaviour and achieved minimum security classification, consideration may be given to allowing him to have access to a computer in his cell.

I have taken advice from Teena Balgi, Mr Middleton's solicitor from Kingsford Legal Centre, which was very enlightening. That advice was as follows:

The Minister's response states that Mr Middleton may get access to a computer in his cell when he has:

1. addressed the causes of his offending behaviour; and 2. achieved a minimum security classification.

Has Mr Middleton addressed the causes of his offending behaviour? In his response the Minister focuses on the "primary importance for inmates to address the causes of their offending behaviour". Mr Middleton has attended all the courses available to him in order to address the causes of his offending behaviour, including dealing with conflict, workplace/team effectiveness, interpersonal communication, anger management, and cognitive skills. The only course that he has not attended is the violent offenders therapeutic program, and this is because an assessment of Mr Middleton determined that there were other prisoners in greater need of this particular course. As a result, Mr Middleton has done everything within his power to address the causes of his offending behaviour.

Further, Mr Middleton is also trying to rehabilitate himself by engaging in two degree courses, mechanical engineering and information systems, in which he has achieved a high distinction mark in a number of units. There is widespread support for using tertiary education as a rehabilitative tool. In the 2002 decision of Middleton v Commissioner of Corrective Services of New South Wales, Justice Dowd discussed the role of education in rehabilitation and stated that "it is hard to imagine a better rehabilitation tool than the gaining of tertiary qualifications of a sophisticated nature".

The Minister is a strong proponent of using education programs as part of the rehabilitation process for prisoners. In the Parliament on 18 September 2003 he recognised the value that education programs could play in rehabilitating an offender. He said:

It is well-known that completion of educational programs can have a key role in reducing reoffending.

Further, in the Parliament on 21 October 2004 the Minister discussed how education programs could improve a prisoner's chances of procuring gainful employment upon re-entering society. He said:

I am sure honourable members would be aware that employment is of essential assistance to inmates avoiding the perils of recidivism once back in the community.

Despite this apparent commitment, however, the New South Wales prison population has a rate of engagement in higher education of only 1.3 per cent. This figure is not only lower than the national average of 1.8 per cent but also significantly lower than the highest rate of 3.1 per cent, which is recorded by Queensland. Queensland has the lowest prison recidivism rate, at 27.7 per cent, whereas New South Wales has the second highest rate, at 44.7 per cent. Those figures come from the Department of Corrective Services 2003-04 annual report.

By undertaking tertiary courses in mechanical engineering and information systems, Mr Middleton is trying his best to rehabilitate himself and to become a productive member of society upon his release. This is admirable, considering that previously Mr Middleton had only progressed his education to year 10 level.

However, Mr Middleton's efforts are being hampered by the decision of the New South Wales Department of Corrective Services to deny him access to a computer in his cell. This decision has caused Mr Middleton to fail subjects, and it is feared that it may ultimately force him to withdraw from both his courses.

What is the relevance of Mr Middleton's security classification? From the response of the Minister, it is clear that the decision to deny Mr Middleton access to a computer in his cell was based primarily on the fact that he does not have a minimum security classification. In the decision of Middleton v Commissioner of Corrective Services of New South Wales Justice Dowd found that the Department of Corrective Services policy, which states that laptop computers can only be purchased by minimum security prisoners, should not be applied as a blanket prohibition.

Inflexible application of the policy is an incorrect use of the power conferred on the commissioner and the governor by the Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Regulation 2001. Further, Justice Dowd reaffirmed the principle that the commissioner and the governor are required to consider all relevant material placed before them and that there should be "proper, genuine and realistic consideration of the merits of the case". Thus, the fact that Mr Middleton does not have a minimum security classification should not be used to deny him a computer in his cell.

Mr Middleton's dedication to his studies since 1998, level of achievement, proper use of a computer for study while incarcerated in Queensland, and genuine need for a computer to complete his studies are all factors that need to be given due consideration.

It would seem that the Minister's answer owes more to enforcing a hierarchy of privilege relating to security classifications than to a real assessment of what is in the prisoner's interest. Lest it be said that I have taken the prisoner's word for it, I must point out that Justice John Dowd looked at this issue and suggested that the decision be reviewed as the prisoner already had a computer in Queensland.

I am disappointed by the Minister's approach and answer. The Minister has also told me that he will remove more computers, even from minimum security prisoners. I hope that my family and the Minister's family are not damaged by a recidivist criminal who might have otherwise been rehabilitated. Proof, NSW Legislative Council Hansard, 23 March 2005, (article 53.

By Justice Action posted 29 March 05

Related:

MORE PRISONERS LOCKDOWNS HAVE OFFICERS ON EDGE
NSW: Staff shortages are continuing to cripple the day to day running of the state's prisons, with correctional officers worried about their safety from constant prisoner lockdowns.

Tough line on crime fills jails
The tough law-and-order policies of governments around the nation are behind an explosion in the prison population by almost 80 per cent in the past two decades.

LEGAL VISITS AT PARKLEA PRISON
I am a prisoner in NSW and I am currently held in Parklea Prison. I am concerned about what is going on in NSW prisons and this is my story.

Parklea Prison: No calls for six days
The last calls that were made out of Parklea Correctional Complex by my partner, an inmate in remand at Parklea, was on Wednesday 2 February. The phone lines for the inmates have been out of service to this date.

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The reason I am writing today is to address a difficult situation that my husband and my family are going through. My husband is currently serving a sentence at Lithgow Correctional Centre in NSW.

Prison boom will prove a social bust
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The prison system requires assiduous oversight
As NSW Attorney General Bob Debus noted in 1996: "The kinds of complaints which occur in the system may seem trivial to outsiders but in the superheated world of the prison, such issues can produce explosive results."

Crime and Punishment
Mark Findlay argues that the present psychological approach to prison programs is increasing the likelihood of re-offending and the threat to community safety.

Justice Denied In NSW Corrective Services
There used to be a (VJ) or Visiting Justice who would go into the prison and judge any claim or accusation that was made by any prisoner or prison guard. If it were found that a prisoner had offended then punishment was metered out.

Prison guards test positive for drugs
NSW prison visitors banned from using the toilet The visit is only for about one hour and any thing less than that is an insult. If it's proved that a visitor has broken the rules the punishment should apply to them. But collective punishment on all visitors should not be made general when others haven't broken the rules especially if it restricts all visitors from normal human needs like using a toilet.

NSW prison visitors banned from using the toilet
The New South Wales Government has introduced several initiatives to stop contraband getting into prisons they said last Friday. But under the guise of "stricter rules" the department had also introduced banning all visitors including children from using the toilet unless they terminate their visit at any NSW prison after using the toilet.

Watchdogs slaughtered in NSW
On Tuesday the Carr Government reduced transparency and accountability yet again and New South Wales is in danger of becoming entrenched with cronyism and intimidations with the Carr Labor Government that continues to slaughter the watchdogs.

Crime won't pay, but crims might?

Thou whom........avenging pow'rs obey, Cancel my debt (too great to pay) Before the sad accounting day (Wentworth Dillon)

OFFENDERS will have to repay the cost of their imprisonment under a proposal being considered by Victorian MPs?

The scheme, backed by groups representing victims of crime and the state Opposition, would save taxpayers millions of dollars? The Herald Sun [Scum] believes?, the proposal was made by a secret committee that claims to be made up of the families of victims of crime, a serving Liberal and Labor MP and Corrections Victoria staff.

Victims of Crime Association spokesman Noel McNamara said the Incarceration Repayment Scheme was long overdue?

"The victims of these people are often left to suffer for the rest of their lives," Mr McNamara said.

"Of course the criminals should have to pay. They should pay for the rest of their lives?

"It's not as if they are starving inside. They are better off than a lot of pensioners." ?

But why should offenders have to pay for the rest of their lives in order to learn something new? What kind of payment system is that? Not just unfeasible but 'blind and toothless!' (Mahatma Gandhi).

And they're starving inside, starving for programs and education the reason they were sent to the Criminal Punishment System.

Its people like McNamara that needs to do time in prison before any type of true and proper assessment can be made.

The fact is at $65,000 a year I don't quite see how $12.00 per week basic dole money or $20.00 per week basic wage in prison is going to cover it Mr Mcnamara?

The committee behind the proposal says it believes criminals often get off lightly.

"We also believe it is unjust for taxpayers to be burdened with the cost of incarcerating people who have displayed antisocial, destructive or unlawful behaviour," the proposal, which has been sent to all Victorian MPs, says.

But how many in the committee have been to prison?

Who is this Committee really?

It suggests the money paid back be used for community projects, or health or education. Great idea!

Well then they must also believe that prison somehow has a potential income source for the prisoners to be able to payback the money for the cost of their incarceration?

Opposition Corrections spokesman Richard Dalla-Riva said the proposal would have wide community support.

Sure it would?

"It's a good idea," Mr Dalla-Riva said.

"I am sure most Victorians would see it as a suitable form of punishment and a disincentive to committing further crime."

But we still haven't identified the income source?

Mr Dalla-Riva said he would like to see the money go to supporting victims of crime.

It costs taxpayers $65,591 a year -- $180.19 a day -- for each of Victoria's prisoners.

The proposal says it is not meant to recover the full cost of imprisonment, but some money to be put to better use?

Actually it is a political stunt!

It is envisaged the scheme will apply only to prisoners who resume paid employment?

"As with students subject to HECS debt, former prisoners will only be expected to repay the cost of their incarceration once their income on release from prison reaches $25,348," the proposal says?

Ex Prisoner disincentive to earn, work or lead law abiding lives!

But what if their income on release stays at $200.00 a week because they stay on the dole? What if they turn to thieving instead and re-offend? What if like the recidivism rate is already around 42%?

Who's going to pay for the second prison term? You!

Without a paddle

Dalla-Down The River "The more they earn, the higher their repayments will be until the debt is repaid." Great!

The amount to be paid will be calculated by the Australian Taxation Office when former prisoners lodge tax returns?

But unfortunately they won't be lodging tax returns that's going to be the problem. In fact they're not going to be logging tax returns for the rest of their natural lives if this policy is implemented? What about that? A disincentive to earn or work.

It is proposed prisoners be given discounts for paying early?

Lock up the committee

The group says it wants to remain anonymous but will work behind the scenes to make sure its proposal becomes reality?

When enough is never enough?

The proposal claims the group's members include a father whose son's killer was jailed for just five years, and the daughter of a woman subject to domestic violence.

In the latter case, the offender was jailed for six months despite the woman being left with permanent emotional and physical injuries.

Lock up the politicians

By Craig Binnie and Just Us posted 21 March 05

Ed. When is the state going to learn that by making it harder for lawbreakers it is going to make it easier to break the law?

When is the state going to stop using victims groups as political pawns?

In any event all they have to do is go and see how much victims compensation was collected from the offenders since it became law and see how the peasants paid it back out of their dole money and then see if the offenders can afford to pay back any more? That should give the politicians a feasible way of communicating the reality to the victims groups without the political grandstanding (in the pro-government media) promoting an idea that won't get off the ground ever, simply to appease victims groups.

Holding on to anger, resentment and hurt only gives you tense muscles, a headache and a sore jaw from clenching your teeth. Forgiveness gives you back the laughter and the lightness in your life. (Joan Lunden)

Related:

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WA: The Prison Reform Group of WA is calling for a complete overhaul of the Department of Justice following recent events which have compromised its integrity, placing prison staff, prisoners, their families and the community, at risk. We call for the Minister to publicly apologise for last week's debacle which has seen the public badly let down by the Department of Justice yet again.

Craig Annesley: Miscarriage of Justice
The reason for this article is because a Secretary at the Council for Civil Liberties stated to me that they haven't got the funding to help me with a false imprisonment case which happened February 97 - and in February 2005, it will be 7 years after the incident which will mean I will be too late to bring a civil case to court?

MORE PRISONERS LOCKDOWNS HAVE OFFICERS ON EDGE
NSW: Staff shortages are continuing to cripple the day to day running of the state's prisons, with correctional officers worried about their safety from constant prisoner lockdowns.

Hayes Prison Farm
"Since late January there have been eight escapes and the question we need to ask is why? A pattern has developed here - one or two escapes may indicate a personal problem but eight indicates a deeper systemic problem." Caroline Dean, President of Prison Action and Reform said.