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SECOND NATIONAL OPEN LETTER TOAUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENTS ON COVID-19 ANDPRISONS AND YOUTH DETENTION CENTRESWe the undersigned are again seeking your immediate action to reduce the risk of transmission ofCOVID-19 in the Australian criminal justice system, especially prisons and youth detention centres.This requires INFORMATION, INDEPENDENT MONITORING AND RELEASE.This national open letter has been produced in consultation with and with contributions from a rangeof national stakeholders, including the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services(NATSILS) and Keeping Women Out of Prison Coalition (KWOOP). The ANNEXURE to this lettersummarises the human rights and community protection issues arising from the COVID-19 pandemicin relation to people in Australian prisons and youth detention centres (YDC).This national letter makes FIVE calls to decision-makers in criminal and penal justice:1. Programs of testing, diagnosis and public health measures (including the provision of personalprotective equipment) to be immediately implemented in all prisons and YDC.2. Hospitalisation/urgent medical treatment of any person in prison or YDC (or police custody) whohas COVID-19 symptoms. Families and ATSILS/Custody Notification Service (CNS) to beimmediately notified of the symptoms, hospitalisation and treatment.3. Ongoing and publicly available information on the COVID-19 testing, diagnosis and public healthmeasures in prisons and YDC (without compromising private health information). This shouldparticularly be made available to people in prison, their families, lawyers and the courts (to enableinformed bail and sentencing decisions).4. Independent monitoring by health and criminal justice experts of COVID-19 responses acrossprisons and YDC.5. The current information is that there is a risk to life and health in prisons and YDC, which in turncreates risks for the wider community. This requires every State and Territory to legislate forimmediate release, where it is safe to do so. Priorities for release should be:a. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people – consistently identified as one of the mostvulnerable groups.b. The vulnerable, including the elderly; peoples who are victims of domestic violence, coercivecontrol and human trafficking; and those with additional health issues such asimmunosuppression, respiratory illness and hypertension, addiction and/or mental health.c. Women.d. Children.e. Those serving sentences of less than 6 months or with 6 months or less remaining.f. Unsentenced people in prison.1
Prof Felicity Gerry QC Crockett Chambers, Melbourne and Deakin University and CarmeliteChambers, LondonProf Thalia AnthonyFaculty of Law and Criminal Justice Cluster Leader, University ofTechnology Sydney (UTS)Prof Lorana BartelsCriminology Program Leader, Australian National University (ANU);Adjunct Professor, University of Canberra and University of TasmaniaProf Elizabeth Grant CFDr Clarke JonesA/Prof Rebecca WickesDr Yasmine MusharbashA/Prof Anthony HopkinsDr Faith GordonSchool of Architecture and Urban Design, RMIT UniversityResearch School of Psychology, ANUSchool of Social Sciences, Monash UniversitySchool of Archaeology and Anthropology, ANUANU College of Law, ANUSchool of Social Sciences, Monash University and Director of theInternational Youth Justice NetworkProf Elena MarchettiLaw School, Griffith UniversityLatoya Aroha RuleSchool of Psychology, Social Work and Social Policy, University of SouthAustraliaJarrod WilliamsBarrister, Victorian BarRishi NathwaniBarrister, Victorian Bar & Bar of England and WalesDr Jamie WalvischLecturer, Monash Law FacultyBonnie MillenSenior Policy Advisor, Advocacy for InclusionDr Kate BurnsSchool of Social Sciences, Monash UniversityDr Jarrett BlausteinSchool of Social Sciences, Monash UniversityDr Isabelle Bartkowiak-Théron Senior Researcher, Tasmanian Institute of Law Enforcement Studies,University of TasmaniaA/Prof Leanne WeberCriminology, Monash UniversityMaria ElanderSenior Lecturer, La Trobe UniverstiyDave McDonaldLecturer, University of MelbourneDr Russell MarksHonorary Research Associate, La Trobe UniversityDr Melissa JardineBoard of Directors, Global Law Enforcement & Public Health AssociationErin BuckleySolicitor, Victorian Supreme Court and Sessional Academic at La TrobeUniversity and Melbourne UniversityGiverney AinscoughPhD candidate, ANU Centre for Social Research and MethodsProfessor Kathryn Henne Director, School of Regulation and Global Governance, ANUA/Prof Susan Harris RimmerDeputy Head of School (Research), Griffith UniversityDr Loene HowesSenior Lecturer in Criminology, University of TasmaniaProf Andrew DaySchool of Social and Political Science, University of MelbourneJoanne StaggLecturer, Griffith UniversityDr Vicky NagyLecturer in Criminology, University of TasmaniaProf Ross Homel AOFoundation Professor of Criminology & Criminal Justice, Griffith UniversityProf Charles Sampford Foundation Dean of Law and Research Professor in Ethics, Griffith UniversityDr Anna OlsenSenior Fellow, Medical School, ANUDr Zoe StainesResearch Fellow (Criminology/Sociology), University of QueenslandSteven CaruanaCoordinator, Australia OPCAT NetworkDr Robin FitzgeraldSenior Lecturer in Criminology, University of QueenslandCarly StanleyCEO & Founder, Deadly Connections Community & Justice ServicesSarah PaddickDirector, Architect Totalspace DesignKeenan MundineCo-Founder & Ambassador, Deadly Connections Community & JusticeServicesDr Angela HigginsonSenior Research Fellow, Queensland University of Technology2
Prof Alison GerardDr Adrian FarrugiaStephanie CurtisProf Rick SarreProf Kerry CarringtonElizabeth Evatt ACLaura ButtonProfessor in Law, Charles Sturt UniversityResearch Fellow, La Trobe UniversityMAE Scholar, Burnet InstituteDean of Law, University of South AustraliaHead, School of Justice, Queensland University of TechnologyInternational Commission of JuristsLeadership Program Coordinator, Women Transforming Justice Project,Fitzroy Legal ServiceEbba Herrlander BirgersonResearcher, Tasmanian Institute of Law Enforcement Studies,University of TasmaniaRobert Richter QCBarrister, Victorian BarMegan CaseyBarrister, Victorian BarFelix RalphPartner, C. Marshall & AssociatesCameron MarshallPrincipal, C. Marshall & AssociatesDaniela JovanovskaPartner, C. Marshall & AssociatesDr Emma ColvinSenior Lecturer, Centre for Law and Justice, Charles Sturt UniversityDr Wayne SandersonTeam Leader, Policy/Advocacy, ANTaR QueenslandDr Maria Giannacopoulos Senior Lecturer, Sociolegal Studies, Flinders UniversityA/Prof Kelly RichardsDeputy Director, Centre for Justice, Queensland University of TechnologyA/Prof David BrightCentre for Crime Policy and Research, Flinders UniversityDr Andy KaladelfosLecturer, Criminology, UNSWDr Aidan CraneyLecturer, Department of Social Inquiry, La Trobe UniversityAmie HancockBarrister, Victorian BarSarah CondonSolicitor, Stary Norton Halphen Criminal Law SpecialistsAlison VerhoevenCEO, Australian Healthcare and Hospitals AssociationCarrie FowlieCEO, Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Association ACT (ATODA)Alana ReaderLawyer, Stary Norton Halphen Criminal Law SpecialistsDr Carolyn McKaySenior Lecturer, University of Sydney Law SchoolA/Prof Nicole L Asquith Policing & Criminal Justice, Western Sydney UniversityDr Peta MalinsSenior Lecturer, Criminology & Justice Studies, RMIT UniversityProf Heather DouglasLaw School, University of QueenslandDr Kristen DavisSchool of Social Sciences, Monash UniversityProf Tamara WalshSchool of Law, University of QueenslandProf Susanne KarstedtSchool of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Griffith UniversityA/Prof Anna Copeland Director of Clinical Legal Education, School of Law, Murdoch UniversityEddie CubilloSenior Fellow, University of Melbourne Law SchoolA/Prof Tracey BoothFaculty of Law, UTSA/Prof Bronwyn Ewing Faculty of Education, QUTSally AndersenLecturer, Faculty of Law, Monash UniversityJulia KretzenbacherBarrister, Victorian BarJonathan BarreiroBarrister, Victorian BarCarol LawsonAssociate Lecturer, UNSW LawMartin RadzajBarrister, Victorian BarDavid RisstromBarister, Victorian BarAshleigh StewartPhD Candidate; Research Assistant, Burnet Institute & Monash UniversityProf Eileen BaldryDeputy Vice Chancellor Equity Diversity & Inclusion; Professor ofCriminology, University of NSW (UNSW) SydneyProf Bronwyn NaylorGraduate School of Business and Law, RMIT UniversityMaria MorrisLaw Graduate, Bond UniversityJohn KillickAuthor3
Derai McDonaldCriminology Student, La Trobe UniversityA/Prof Patrick Emerton Law Resources, Monash UniversityDr Nadine ConnellCriminology, Griffith UniversityDr Kate Fitz-GibbonDirector, Monash Gender and Family Violence Prevention CentreTom BattersbyBarrister, Victorian BarMihal GreenerBarrister, Victorian BarJames RyanReader, Victorian BarProf Reece WaltersSchool of Humanities and Social Sciences, Deakin UniversityDr Sarah KeenanSenior Lecturer, Birkbeck School of Law, University of LondonDr Madeleine UlbrickResearch Associate Monash UniversityBen WatsonLawyer, Johnstone and Reimer LawyersDr Francis MarkhamCentre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research, ANURobert O’NeillBarrister, Victorian BarPhillip GibsonPartner, Nyman Gibson MiralisDr Anton SymkovychLecturer in Criminology, University of MelbourneA/Prof Karen SoldaticSchool of Social Sciences, Western Sydney UniversityDr Adam MastersSenior Lecturer in Criminology, ANUJohn BraithwaiteEmeritus Professor, ANUA/Prof Mehera San RoqueFaculty of Law, UNSWPatrick BurtonResearch Associate, University of TasmaniaDr Mark WoodLecturer in Criminology, Deakin UniversityGreg BarnsBarrister and Former National President Australian Lawyers AllianceJonathan BudgeonDeputy Chair, Prisoners Legal Service TasmaniaAshlee CannonBarrister, Victorian BarLisa ParkerLecturer in Law, University of South AustraliaA/Prof Matthew BallSchool of Justice, QUTJulian R MurphyPhD candidate (Law), University of MelbourneJohn FeneleyFormer NSW Mental Health CommissionProf Rob WhiteDistinguished Professor of Criminology, University of TasmaniaRobert TicknerFormer Australian Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander AffairsProf David BestCriminology, University of Derby; Visiting Professor, ANUAlexandra BaxterPhD Candidate (Criminology) and Tutor, Flinders UniversityDr Karen GelbConsultant Criminologist and Lecturer, Criminology, University of MelbourneDr Emma RusselSenior Lecturer in Crime, Justice & Legal Studies, La Trobe UniversityKatie GreenYouth Solicitor, Convenor of the NSW Youth Justice CoalitionTom KellyFormer NSW Public SolicitorRobyn LincolnAssistant Professor, Criminology, Bond UniversityAndrew Christopoulos National President, Australian Lawyers AllianceDr Louis SchetzerManager, Policy and Advocacy, Australian Lawyers AllianceDr David BrownEmeritus Professor, UNSW SydneyA/Prof Angela DwyerPolicing and Emergency Management, University of TasmaniaRebecca WallisAssociate Lecturer, TC Beirne School of Law, University of QueenslandDr Larissa SandySenior Lecturer in Criminology and Justice Studies, RMIT UniversityShelley EderLecturer, Charles Darwin UniversityEmma TowneySolicitor, Dhurrawang Aboriginal Human Rights Program, CanberraCommunity LawProf Janet RansleyDirector, Griffith Criminology Institute, Griffith UniversityDr Robyn BlewerLecturer, Law School; Director, Griffith University Innocence ProjectEmma GolledgeDirector, Kingsford Legal CentreDr Julie BarkworthLecturer, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Griffith University4
Morgana ButlerReece CossarPenny HillMaddy GrantDr Lisa DurnianRonald BehlauDean LloydProf Penelope WellerProf Alison YoungAmy KirwanStan WinfordJeremy BolandJill FaulknerMarcia WilliamsDr Karen CrawleyNicole ShackletonDr Diarmaid HarkinDebbie KilroyA/Prof Jennifer BalintCamilla PandolfiniCourtney HartA/Prof Tanja DreherMichael GriffithsKerry WesteAnthony RedmondLaura SuttonCoordinator, Taldumande Youth ServicesPhD Candidate, Burnet InstitutePhD Candidate, Burnet Institute, Monash UniversitySolicitor, Stary Norton Halphen Criminal LawyersLecturer, School of Justice, QUTPartner, Behlau Murakami Grant ILPLloyd Criminal Consulting CoGraduate School of Business and Law, RMIT UniversityFrancine McNiff Professor of Criminology, Melbourne UniversityProgram Manager, Burnet InstituteAssociate Director, Centre for Innovative Justice, RMIT UniversityCEO, Positive Youth IncorporatedManager, Women Transforming Justice, Fitzroy legal ServiceCEO, Women’s Centre for Health MattersSenior Lecturer, Griffith Law SchoolPhD Candidate (Law), La Trobe UniversitySenior Lecturer in Criminology, Deakin UniversityCEO, Sisters InsideAssociate Professor, Criminology, University of MelbournePrincipal Solicitor, Public Interest Advocacy CentreLawyer, Stary Norton HalphenArts and Media, UNSWSenior Lecturer, Arts, English and Media, University of WollongongPresident, Australian Lawyers for Human RightsVisiting Research Fellow, ANUChildren’s Court Assistance Scheme Coordinator (Campbelltown) MacarthurLegal CentreDr Alana PiperResearch Fellow, University of Technology SydneyAnnie YuanBarrister, Victorian BarEmma PhillipsDeputy Director & Principal Solicitor, Queensland Advocacy IncorporatedAbilene SinghBarrister, Victorian BarDavid CarolanBarrister, Victorian BarDr Natalia HanleyCriminology, University of WollongongDr Emma CampbellCEO, ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS)Dr Tess BartlettResearch Fellow, Monash Gender and Family Violence Prevention CentreDr Bree CarltonSenior Lecturer, Criminology, Deakin UniversityElena CampbellAssociate Director, RMIT Centre for Innovative JusticeRob HullsDirector, RMIT Centre for Innovative JusticeStan WinfordAssociate Director, RMIT Centre for Innovative JusticeDr Julia DehmLecturer, La Trobe UniversityKavita RajHonours Student, Criminology & Criminal Justice, Griffith UniversityMatthew AtkinsonLecturer/Managing Solicitor, University of South AustraliaDr Mindy SotiriDirector, Advocacy, Policy and Research, Community Restorative CentreE/Prof Richard Harding Inaugural Inspector of Custodial Services, WADr Ian WarrenSenior Lecturer, Criminology, Deakin UniversityJacob SluckiPartner, Kaczmarek Grigor LawyersA/Prof Susanne Davies Head, Department of Social Inquiry, La Trobe UniversityScott WilsonCEO, Aboriginal Drug & Alcohol Council SAHannah SolomonsHDR student, Law Faculty, UTSMarion IsobelBarrister, Victorian Bar5
Cassandra GenerosoKatharina StoreyLawyer, Leanne Warren & AssociatesWomen’s Leadership Group Member, Women Transforming Justice Project,Fitzroy Legal ServiceRebecca BunnPhD Candidate, University of MelbourneFelicity GrayPhD Candidate, ANUDr Ruth McCauslandSenior Research Fellow, UNSWLisanne AdamPhD Candidate (Criminal Justice and Corrections), RMIT UniversityAdjunct Prof George Newhouse CEO, National Justice ProjectA/Prof Janet HuntCentre for Aboriginal Policy and Economic Research, ANUA/Prof Megan Williams Research Lead and Assistant Director, National Centre for CulturalCompetence, University of SydneyDr Claire LoughnanLecturer, Criminology, University of MelbourneA/Prof Julia QuilterSchool of Law, University of WollongongTom BattersbyBarrister, Victorian BarDr Anthea VoglSenior Lecturer, Unniversity of Technology SydneyProf Carla TreloarDirector, Centre for Social Research in Health and Social Policy ResearchCentre, UNSW SydneyDr Ian Freckelton QCBarrister, Victorian BarLachlan CameronBarrister, Victorian BarRohan LawrenceBarrister, Victorian BarWilliam BarkerBarrister, Victorian BarKate BallardBarrister, Victorian BarLucinda ThiesBarrister, Victorian BarDr Diana JohnsSenior Lecturer in Criminology, University of MelbourneStephanie WallaceBarrister, Victorian BarJon Stanhope AOFormer Chief Minister, Australian Capital TerritoryGuy Gilbert SCBarrister, Victorian BarJulian McMahon AC SC Barrister, Victorian Bar; President, Capital Punishment Justice ProjectDr Karen CrawleySenior Lecturer, Griffith Law SchoolSara KowalVice President, Capital Punishment Justice ProjectDr Paul SimpsonResearch Fellow, The Kirby Institute, UNSW SydneyA/Prof Peter HiggsDepartment of Public Health, La Trobe UniversityDr George DertadianLecturer in Criminology, UNSWSteve HayesTransition Manager, Red Lily Health Board, West Arnhem, NTJenny CrosbieResearch Fellow, Deakin UniversityDr Julie KimberSenior Lecturer, Swinburne UniversityProf Andreas SchloenhardtLaw, University of Queensland/University of ViennaEmeritus Prof Wilfrid PrestUniversity of AdelaideDr Fran GaleSenior Lecturer, Western Sydney UniversityVeronika DragoBarrister, Victorian BarA/Prof Mary Anne KennyLaw, Murdoch UniversityProf Julie StubbsCo-Director, Centre for Crime, Law & Justice UNSW SydneyProfessor Kathy Laster Director sir Zelman Cowen centre Victoria universityJennifer Keene-McCann Solicitor; Sessional Clinic Director, Ormond Colllege, University ofMelbourneA/Prof Kylie Valentine Research Director, Social Policy Research Centre, UNSW SydneyMarty AustPresident, Criminal Lawyers Association of the Northern TerritoryElise McMahonSenior Clinical Psychologist, Forensic Mental Health Services, SA Health;Vice President, Capital Punishment Justice ProjectDr Marisela Velazquez Visiting Academic Researcher, James Cook University6
Anthony BarkerSophie TrevittProf Fiona HainesDr Mary Ellen HarrodSusanna LockeMichael CurtisProf Irene WatsonDr Judy PuttLidia ThorpeDr Dylan LinoRuth ParkerMary Spiers WilliamsDr Helen TaylorJack LumsdenSam BiondoDr Laura BedfordA/Prof Marie SegraveDr Ibolya LosonczGeoffrey DaveyAndrew McGregorOdette ShenfieldHelen GibbonProf Martin HoltBen MostynA/Prof Peter RushProf Alison RitterDr Jake RanceTessa Di PaoloMiranda BainFilip DjordjevicCarly LloydDr Caroline SpiranovicBrionee NoonanKristy (Rosie) SchubertKatia LalloCarmen ReidA/Prof Jennifer NielsenScott WilsonHugo MoodieLyn DundonHeather AndersonChris DaviesSarah-Jane OlsenMarcelle BurnsSophie RussellMichelle BarclayFarzana ChoudhuryStudent, Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Griffith UniversitySolicitor, Australian Lawyers for Human RightsCriminology, University of MelbourneCEO, NSW Users and AIDS AssociationBarrister, Victorian BarPhD Candidate & Research Assistant, Burnet Institute & Monash UniversityPro-Vice Chancellor, Aboriginal Leadership and Strategy, University of SouthAustraliaResearch Fellow, ANUIndigenous Lead, Amnesty International.School of Law, University of QueenslandPrincipal Lawyer, Galbally Parker Criminal LawyersLegal practitioner, Lecturer in Law and Sub-Dean Undergraduate IndigenousStudies, ANUSenior Research Officer, ANUCriminal Lawyer, North Australian Aboriginal Justice AgencyExecutive Officer, Victorian Alcohol and Drug AssociationLecturer, Criminology, Deakin UniversityCriminology, Monash UniversityResearcher, ANUCEO, Queensland Injectors Health Network (QuIHN) LtdLawyer, Dowling McGregor SolicitorsLawyer, Fitzroy Legal ServiceSenior Lecturer, Faculty of Law, University of New South WalesCentre for Social Research in Health, UNSW SydneyLecturer, Faculty of Law, Univesity of WollongongLaw School, University of MelbourneDirector, Drug Policy Modelling Program, UNSWResearch Fellow, Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSWLawyer, Stary Norton Halphen Criminal Law SpecialistsDirector, Funds in Court, Supreme Court of VictoriaResearch Assistant, Burnet InstituteBarrister, Victorian BarSenior Lecturer in Law, University of TasmaniaCoordinator, Aboriginal Peak Organisations Northern TerritoryCulturally Responsive Trauma Informed Care Facilitator, Aboriginal MedicalServices Alliance Northern Territory (AMSANT)Community Lawyer, Springvale Monash Legal ServicePhD Candidate (Criminology), University of TasmaniaSchool of Law & Justice, Southern Cross UniversityCEO, Aboriginal Drug & Alcohol Council SABarrister, Victorian BarAdvocacy and Campaigns Manager, Financial Counselling VictoriaLawyer, David Barrese & AssociatesLawyer, Prison Law Program, Fitzroy Legal ServiceExecutive Officer, Hepatitis ACTLecturer, Law School, University of New EnglandResearch Associate, UNSW; PhD Candidate, UTSSolicitor, Canberra Community LawSenior Solicitor, Canberra Community Law7
A/Prof Penny CroftsLaw, UTSFabiano CangelosiBarrister, Edward Coke ChambersDr Jennifer SkattebolSenior Research Fellow, UNSWHelen BlaberDirector and Principal Solicitor, Prisoners Legal Service Inc (Qld)Patrick HortonPhD Candidate (Anthropology), University of SydneyRobyn ReadFormer NSW Member of Legislative AssemblyCassandra BennettLegal Studies teacherDr Joni MeenaghLecturer, Criminology and Justice Studies, RMITProfessor Karen Fisher Social Policy Research Centre, UNSW SydneyElisa BuggyExecutive Officer, Flat Out Inc.Shelley WalkerResearch Assistant, Burnet InstituteTessa DharmendraPractice Manager, Allied HealthDr Lara PalomboLecturer, Macquarie UniversityRachel O’ReillyPhD Candidate, Goldsmiths UniversityDr Linda SteeleSenior Lecturer in Law, UTSDr Rimple MehtaLecturer, Western Sydney UniversityIan NeilManager, Pivot Support ServicesAnusha GoonetillekeSolicitorJanine PerlmanBarrister, Victorian BarA/Prof Georgina Heydon Criminology and Justice Studies, RMIT UniversityJim ShawBarrister, Victorian BarDr Robin FitzgeraldSenior Lecturer in Criminology, University of QueenslandA/Prof Ben EdwardsSenior Fellow, Centre for Social Research and Methods, ANUJonathon HunyorCEO, Public Interest Advocacy CentreDr Kari LancasterSenior Research Fellow, Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSWDr Luke BearupSessional academic, School of Regulation & Global Governance, ANUDr Jamal BarnesLecturer in Criminology, Edith Cowan UniversityEmma DelahuntySenior Policy Officer, AMSANTA/Prof Hilde TubexLaw, University of Western AustraliaJulie Tongs OAMCEO, Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services LtdDr Paul NortonLecturer, Government & International Relations, Griffith UniversityAdj Prof Eric SidotiVice-Chancellor’s Fellow Western Sydney UniversityGai WalkerManaging Director, SCALES Community Legal CentreThe Hon Paul Stein AM QCFormer judge, NSW Court of AppealGeorgie SuttonPolicy and Governance Officer, Central Land CouncilJoan LipscombeConcerned citizenDr Erica MillarCrime, Justice and Legal Studies, La Trobe UniversityKim LeeversConcerned citizenAsh BarnesSchool of Social Sciences, University of TasmaniaCampbell ThomsonBarrister, Victorian BarGeoffry HollandLecturer, Faculty of Law, UTS; Barrister, NSW BarRod Madgwick QCRetired judge of the Federal Court of AustraliaRachael ClarkSolicitor, Canberra Community LawJanet WightCEO, Youth Advocacy Centre IncDr Melissa de Vel-PalumboLecturer in Criminology, Flinders UniversityProf Meredith Rossner Criminology, ANUKatarina LjubicicBarrister, Victorian BarFern YorkTeacher, Montessori School Kingsley and International BaccalaureateFreya StromHuman Rights AdvocateProf Michael Levy AM Medical School, ANU8
Lauren O’BrienSystemic Advocacy Team Leader, ACT Disability Aged and Carer AdvocacyServicesMichael BleasdaleManager, ACT Disability Aged and Carer Advocacy ServicesAnnie Madden AOPhD Candidate, Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW; HarmReduction AustraliaDr Shannon DoddResearch Associate, University of QueenslandDr Chris ButlerSenior Research Fellow, University of Western AustraliaMi-Lin Chen Yi MeiRMIT Student Program Manager, Centre for Innovative JusticeAshleigh NewnhamManager of Strategic and Community Development, Springvale MonashLegal ServiceJane SandersPrincipal Solicitor, Shopfront Youth Legal CentreJudy HarrisonSenior Lecturer, College of Law, ANUYan Zhang PHDScholar in Criminology, ANUDr Kate CashmanLecturer in Law and Policing, University of TasmaniaDr Julie NicholsLecturer in Architecture, University of South AustraliaBill BushPresident, Families & Friends for Drug Law ReformIan RoseConcerned citizenFiona HilfertySenior Research Fellow, Social Policy Research Centre, UNSWZoe NeumayerLawyer, Central Land CouncilViviene Jan Tuckerman Retired teacherPaddy GibsonSenior Researcher, Jumbunna Indigenous Institute, UTSProf Harry BlaggLaw, University of Western AustraliaMary RowsonTeacher, Lilydale High School, Melbourne, VicSara DehmLecturer in Law, UTSDr Karen SinclairProgram Director, Aboriginal Studies, University of South AustraliaLisa BillingtonPhD Candidate and Researcher (Law), UTSDr Michele JarldornChair, Board of Management, Seeds of Affinity – Pathways for Women IncSandra GenderaSenior Researcher, Social Policy Research Centre, UNSW SydneyThomas BellAssociate, Galbally Parker LawyersAndreea LachszChurchill FellowSophie StewartCampaign Coordinator, Social Reinvestment WACharles HendersonDeputy CEO, NSW Users & AIDS Association (NUAA)Nicole SpicerConsultant lawyer, Stary Norton HalphenLouise ConwellLawyer, Stary Norton HalphenCheryl AxlebyCo-Chair, National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal ServiceNerita WaightCo-Chair, National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal ServiceStephanie KerrLawyer, Stary Norton HalphenKevin AndersonRetired Magistrate, NSWMelanie WalkerCEO, Australian Injecting and Illicit Drug Users League (AIVL)Hilary KramerFormer Executive Officer to NSW Women in Prison Task ForceKristen WallworkExecutive Director, Springvale Monash Legal ServiceSally FitzpatrickResearch Fellow, Western Sydney UniversityDorothea AnthonyLecturer, Law, University of WollongongJane WangmannSenior Lecturer, Law, UTSDr Elyse MethvenLecturer, Law, UTSRoss JoyceCEO, Australian Federation of Disability OrganisationsRosemary IskanderBoard Member, Deadly Connections Community & Justice ServicesDean LloydVolunteer, Deadly Connections Community & Justice ServicesMelva StanleyBoard Member, Deadly Connections Community & Justice ServicesSuwana ComboCase worker, Deadly Connections Community & Justice Services9
Adam BookerPhD Candidate and Lecturer, Law, UTSHannah McGladeSenior Indigenous Research Fellow, Curtin UniversityEugene Schofield-GeorgesonLecturer, Law, UTSMarianne MackayNoongar rights campaignerGenevieve DallyNorthern Territory AIDS and Hepatitis CouncilProf Dawn BessarabCentre for Aboriginal Medical and Dental Health, University of WesternAustraliaElena PappasLaw and Advocacy Centre for Women LtdBeth GibbingsPhD Candidate and Lecturer in Law, UTSProf Katherine BiberLaw, UTSEmma Buxton-Namisnyk PhD Researcher, University of Oxford; Research Fellow, Law, UTSProf Joe GraffamProfessor Emeritus, Deakin UniversityGrant AlgieBarrister, Elliott Johnston ChambersRos WilliamsConvenor, Canberra Mental Health ForumKathy MarksJournalist and Lecturer Macleay CollegeLindsay WegenerExecutive Director, PeakCare QueenslandPatrick McNeeCoordinator, Australians for Disability JusticeDr Shelley TurnerSenior Lecturer, Social Work, Monash UniversityA/Prof Gavin SmithSociology, ANUDavid McDonaldDirector, Social Research & Evaluation Pty LtdDr Marietta Martinovic Senior Lecturer in Criminology and Justice, RMITDr Meredith BurgmanWriter, Retired Parliamentarian, NSWProf Murray LeeCriminology, University of SydneyProf Jenni Lightowlers Dean, Deakin Law SchoolInstitutionsGrata FundNorth Australian Aboriginal Justice AgencyFitzroy Legal ServiceSisters InsideAustralian Lawyers for Human RightsNational Justice ProjectWinnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services LtdCaxton Legal Centre IncSHINE for KidsKeeping Women Out of Prison CoalitionNorth Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency Inc10
ANNEXURE TO SECOND OPEN LETTERCALLING FOR PRISONER INFORMATION,MONITORING AND RELEASEOn 25 March 2020, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, called ongovernments to take urgent action to protect the health and safety of people in detention and otherclosed facilities, as part of overall efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.Principle 9 of the United Nations Basic Principles for the Treatment of Prisoners makes it clear that“[p]risoners shall have access to the health services available in the country without discrimination onthe grounds of their legal situation”.According to the 2020 Productivity Commission Report on Government Services, the current averagedaily prison population is 43,115. At 384.2 per 100,000 of the population, Australia’s incarcerationrate is well above the OECD average and growing. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples makeup just 2 percent of the population, but they represent 28 percent of the full-time adult prisonpopulation. In YDC, the figures are much higher. The Public Health Association of Australia statesthat:Prisoners have poorer health than the general community, with particularly high levels ofmental health issues, alcohol and other drug misuse, and chronic conditions. They are avulnerable population with histories of unemployment, homelessness, low levels of educationand trauma.PROPORTIONATE RESPONSES TO COVID19Australia is a party to the seven core international human rights treaties and, as such, has voluntarilyaccepted binding legal obligations under international law to protect the rights expressed therein,including: an inherent right to life;a right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health;an obligation to ensure that in all actions concerning children, whether undertaken by public orprivate social welfare institutions, courts of law, administrative authorities or legislative bodies,the best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration; anda right to liberty of movement, albeit subject to necessary and proportionate restrictions in relationto public health. Those restrictions are currently the subject of a range of Commonwealth and State/Territory emergency and extraordinary powers.There is a clear need to mitigate risk to public health from COVID-19. People in prison and the widercommunity will be affected if prisons and YDC become clusters of infection. There also needs to beaccurate public health information on responses (testing, diagnosis and public health measures) inplace for people in prisons and YDC. Axiomatically, this requires monitoring systems. For courtsdealing with bail hearings or those awaiting sentence, evidence of these respons
Lisa Parker Lecturer in Law, University of South Australia A/Prof Matthew Ball School of Justice, QUT Julian R Murphy PhD candidate (Law), University of Melbourne John Feneley Former NSW Mental Health Commission Prof Rob White Distinguished Professor of Criminology, University of Tasmania
