Aug 2006

The National Assembly will write to the Australian Government seeking an end to all forms of abuse and torture in Australian prisons and detention centres, to withdraw support of the detention centre in Guantanamo Bay and fast track the return of David Hicks to Australia.

In a proposal from Wes Campbell and David Pargeter, referred to it from the 11th Assembly, the August Standing Committee was asked to take these steps in light of the 11th Assembly’s endorsement of the statement on Human Rights, Dignity in Humanity.

The ASC resolution requested the Australian Government to:

(i) to conform its policies and actions to the International Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Intensions or Degrading Treatment or Punishment;

(ii) to ensure that torture and other such treatment does not occur within detention centres and prisons in Australia;

(iii) to withdraw support for the detention centre at Guantanamo Bay; and

(iv) to act urgently, in the light of Assembly Resolution 03.42 and the recent US Supreme Court decision, seeking David Hicks’ immediate release from detention at Guantanamo Bay and his repatriation to Australia, ensuring a just legal process for him.