ooh, shiny!

I'm making this quick, since there's a phone call I need to make and I've already put it off for a while. *grins* Yes, David cracked and calle3d me first, which is rather childish of me, but it makes me feel better about things in general. And I was going to call him when I got home any way. ;)

I saw the new court today, and verily it is shiny. And big. And full of natural light. And yes, there will be a bunch of problems with the design, especially in the office, but I have to admit, I approve of the court room itself. It's large and airy and has windows across one wall that give a view of the hills and has lots of space and basically is the kind of room you can sit in for many hours and not have your brain start oozing out of your ears. And the CEO told us today we can close the court during the week we're moving completely, so it's casual clothes and packing and unpacking, and no interruptions.

I love getting out of my work clothes. While I like to dress up and look nice, doing it daily and without choice (and having to be rather conservative into the bargain) is a pain. Besides, I'm running out of options at the moment - I ought to go clothes shopping but that costs money I'm reluctant to spend (ie waste) and it's not like I'm going to be needing it for a while.

I stopped by mum and dad's tonight on the way home, which was good, since mum reminded me about my cousin's baby's christening on Saturday. I get to see Andrea and her bub, and her brother Mark and his wife Tanya, who I don't see that often (like in, years) but I always get along well with. Just gotta figure out what to wear. *rolls eyes*

Right, I'm off. Oh, and I'm posting (next post) someting from the Amnesty meeting the other night. I suggest all the Aussies at least read it, adn hope you make some kind of reaction in terms of email.

Proposed 'security' legislation...

Amnesty International has concerns regarding the proposed "security legislation" to be introduced shortly into the Australian parliament.

In the wake of the attacks of 11 September 2001 in the United States, the Australian government indicated that it will pass "security legislation" based on the UK Terrorism Act 2000 and Anti-Crime and Security Act 2001. Among other things, the proposed legislation will give ASIO the power to arrest and detain people without legal representation, removes the right to silence and the privilege against self-incrimination, makes it an offence punishable by up to five years imprisonment to fail to answer questions, and creates a new offence of ‘terrorism’ under which terrorism is defined broadly.

Amnesty International (AI) is concerned:

* About the lack of consultation and public debate concerning the proposed legislation, particularly as most of the provisions of this complex Bill may be permanent, and the temporary provisions will result in the deprivation of a person’s liberty without charge or trial and without access to a lawyer.

* That some of the measures in the proposed legislation, if implemented, may contravene internationally recognised human rights standards – including the rights to liberty, fair trial and freedom of association – and facilitate the violation of individuals’ human rights.

* That under the proposed legislation, asylum-seekers, who have been labelled as ‘suspected international terrorists’, will be denied an individual assessment on the merits of their claim. AI believes no one should be forcibly removed without their individual need for protection assessed in a full and satisfactory procedure.

Recommended Actions.

* Immediately send letters/faxes/emails to key Ministers and Senators as listed below. Immediate action is critical to block this Bill.

* Please send letters/faxes/email to you local Members of Parliament.
(details for your local member and State senators are available at www.aph.gov.au)

Please raise the following concerns:

* That there has been a lack of consultation and public discussion of the proposed legislation.

* That some of the measures in the newly proposed legislation, if implemented, may contravene internationally recognised human rights standards – including the rights to liberty, fair trial and freedom of association – and facilitate the violation of individuals’ human rights. It is the obligation of the government to ensure the protection of human rights of all people in their jurisdiction.

* That the system of detention proposed by the legislation will establish an informal criminal justice system without the safeguards of a formal system. Anyone deemed to be a threat to national security of a "suspected international terrorist" could be imprisoned indefinitely on the basis of information inadmissible as evidence in a trial, and on a significantly lower standard of proof.

* That anyone who is detained should either be promptly charged with recognisable criminal offences and tried within a reasonable period in proceedings that comply fully with international fair trial standards; or deported within a reasonable period to another country where there is no risk of being subjected to the imposition of the death penalty, torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, or other serious human rights abuses, and to an unfair trial.


Appeals to:

Prime Minister, John Howard

Leader of the Opposition, Simon Crean
S.Crean.MP@aph.gov.au

Leader of the National Party, Deputy PM John Anderson
John.Anderson.MP@aph.gov.au

Leader of the Democrats, Natasha Stott-Despoja
Senator.Stott.Despoja@democrats.org.au

Attorney-General, Daryl Williams
Daryl.Williams.MP@aph.gov.au