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Major parties vote to block Greens' Supermax visit
Thursday, 23 March 2006
Greens MP Lee Rhiannon and independent MP Peter Breen have condemned the unprecedented move of Labor and the Coalition in voting to deny Ms Rhiannon's request to join an Upper House inquiry visit to the Supermax wing of Goulburn prison today.
"The major parties have ganged up to frustrate scrutiny of conditions at the Supermax where five terror suspects are being kept without trial for indefinite periods and inmates segregated by race", said MP Peter Breen. Lee Rhiannon understands it is the first time in Parliament's history that members of an inquiry have voted against another MP joining them. The motion opposing her request was moved by MLC Eddie Obeid.
Ms Rhiannon has since written to the Commissioner of Corrective Services, Ron Woodham, asking for permission to visit the Supermax.
"While the law says the Minister, judges and magistrates have a right to visit this facility, MPs do not have the same access," Greens justice spokesperson Ms Rhiannon said.
"The recent raids by the Federal Police of terror suspect's cells and reports of alleged racism and poor treatment of Omar Baladjam inside this facility make it all the more important to turn the light on conditions at the Supermax.
MP Peter Breen said 'out of sight, out of mind' suits both the Labor and Liberal parties.
"The major parties are happy to use the prison system as a tool for their race based law and order auction, while making sure the door is shut to external scrutiny.
"I'm not surprised Lee Rhiannon is excluded from a political prison, which is the only way to describe the Supermax," Mr Breen said.
The upper house inquiry is into issues relating to the operations and management of the Department of Corrective Services.
For more information: Lee Rhiannon - 9230 3551, 0427 861 568 Peter Breen * 9230 3588, 0419 985 145
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