-----Original Message----- From: Webcentral <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: '[EMAIL PROTECTED]' <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Wednesday, August 09, 2000 12:20 PM Subject: [atsic] Media Release: ATSIC backs apology from Queensland Magistrates Courts >8 August 2000 >Statement by ATSIC Central Queensland Regional Council Chairman, David >Wragge > >ATSIC backs apology from Queensland Magistrates Courts > >ATSIC has thrown its support behind the Queensland Magistrates Court and >what it says is both ''an historic and necessary " apology to Aboriginal and >Torres Strait Islander people. > >This is an historic step. It is a right step. > >Unfortunately for the Chief Justice Paul de Jersey, it is also not only >irreversible. Because you cant' take back an apology. But is also >"irrevocable" because it should not be taken back . > >This should be a very proud day for Queensland and for all Queenslanders. > >To quote the Chief Justices' own words it is: "the obligation of the courts >and judicial officers (is) to render justice according to law to all people, >in the inclusive sense." > >We think that this might for the first time now be possible, as a result of >what the Magistrates courts have done. > >What we are finally seeing here is:one of the most powerful institutions of >state recognise the truth of the past and the need for a better way for the >criminal justice system to operate in the future. > >We welcome the fact that Queensland is only the second State Magistrates >Court in the country to make a formal apology for past injustices and to >commit itself to Reconciliation. > >We commend the Chief Stipendiary Magistrate , Diane Fingleton, and all the >participating magistrates in courts in centres around Queensland for what >is an important contribution towards Reconciliation here in this State. > >It is a timely and courageous step .One that will be welcomed by the vast >majority of our people in Queensland in the same spirit that it is given. >One that helps to remind all Queenslanders, not just Aboriginal and Torres >Strait islander people, of the independence of the courts as an arm of the >State. > >A step that is deserving of bi - partisan support from government and >opposition parties alike. > >It is also a necessary step. > >This apology will be a vital adjunct, and an important first step when the >amendments to Queensland's Penalties and Sentences Act come into effect. > >Magistrates will be obliged under these amendments to take into account the >views of the indigenous community on sentencing indigenous people. > >This will usher in a whole new era into the criminal justice system in this >state. One even the Chief Justice of Queensland will have to acknowledge >sooner or later. > >Media Contact: ATSIC CQ Regional Council Chairman, David Wragge 0417 767 067 > > > > > > > ------------------------------------------------------ RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words: unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/recoznet2%40paradigm4.com.au/
