Australian Prisoners Union & JUSTICE ACTION
MEDIA RELEASE 3 AUGUST 2000
Prisoners to strike against Women's jail plans
A press conference will be held at 1pm, Friday 4 August in the press
gallery at NSW Parliament house. It will be hosted by Lee Rhiannon MLC.
Speakers will include Tania Beeby of the Australian Prisoners Union and
Brett Collins of Justice Action.
A series of decisions have been made by a network of the 137 concerned
groups, in response to the NSW government's dismissal of the unanimous
recommendations of the Parliamentary Inquiry into Imprisonment against the
new $42 million women's jail at Windsor.
A paid position has been created. We will use our experience of the Tim
Anderson campaign and others to ensure this campaign is properly
structured and won. We are committed to ensuring the jail does not go
ahead.
In giving support to the campaign the Australian Prisoners Union is
calling its first strike on International Prisoners Justice Day, Thursday
10 August 2000.
The strike calls for the NSW government to reverse its contemptuous
dismissal of community and parliamentary wishes.
"$42 million dollars of taxpayers money is being blown on expanding
imprisonment for NSW women. The government is showing clearly what kind of
investment it is prepared to make in the future of our daughters, friends
and wives" said Tania Beeby from the Australian Prisoners Union.
"Prisoners have approached the Australian Prisoners Union wanting to be
involved in a non-violent expression to show the government they will play
a constructive part in the debate. They and their families and friends are
tired of being scapegoated for the failed social justice policies of
federal and state governments" said Brett Collins of Justice Action.
The APU has called on all Australian prisoners to participate in the
strike by either sending a poem, painting, having a meeting with other
prisoners in their area about the issues, or not eating, adhering to an
order, or working. The strike employs the principles of disciplined
non-violence.
They assert their humanity, want to talk, and participate directly in the
debate about the future of the system they are forced to live under. They
say they won't allow themselves to be provoked, no matter what.
For further comment contact Brett Collins on 9281 5407 or 0414 705 003
justice
ACTION
PO Box 386, Broadway, NSW 2007 Ph: 02 9281 5100 Fx :02 9281 5303
[EMAIL PROTECTED] www.justiceaction.org.au
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