[Greens-Media] Greens conditional support for Macquarie Fields inquiry

[Lee Rhiannon]

MEDIA RELEASE - 6 March 2005

Greens conditional support for Macquarie Fields inquiry 

Returning from a visit today to Macquarie Fields Greens Justice
spokesperson Lee Rhiannon MP has called on the opposition to widen the
terms of reference for the Macquarie Fields Inquiry to cover police
operations in the area prior to the deaths of Dylan Raywood and Matthew
Robertson. 

"The Greens would consider supporting an Upper House Inquiry into
police operations at Macquarie Fields if the Coalition are willing to
expand the terms of reference to examine police operations prior to the
recent riots," Ms Rhiannon said. 

"I am concerned about the law and order agenda that opposition leader
John Brogden is engaging in.

"If the Opposition is sincere in wanting to examine police operations
at Macquarie Fields they will support the Greens call for the Inquiry to
be broadened to cover police activities prior to the riots and the
impact the increased police presence had on local residents. 

 "When I met with Macquarie Fields residents today I heard stories of
police harassment, intimidation and abuse of process. These allegations
need to be investigated. 

"Many locals told me they are concerned about how their suburb has
been portrayed. While many said they were upset by the police operations
most of the anger was directed at the government. 

"One young man said to me 'Bob Carr has given all of us a bad name
by bad mouthing Macquarie Fields. What's he going to do about it?'
" Ms Rhiannon said. 

Contact:  Susie Gemmell - 0408 976 707