[Greens-Media] Sen. K NETTLE: 'Control order' should frighten all Australians

[Edwards, Jon (Sen K. Nettle)]

28.08.06

'Control order' should frighten all Australians


Greens Senator Kerry Nettle today condemned the issuing of a 'control
order' to Jack Thomas by the Attorney General Phillip Ruddock and
renewed The Greens call for this arbitrary power to be removed from law.

"Control orders' are instruments of totalitarian regimes and have no
place in a liberal democracy like Australia," Senator Nettle said.

"That government ministers have the power to control the behaviour and
movement of Australian citizens who have not committed any crime should
frighten all Australians.

"Minister Ruddock appears to be unwilling to abide by the umpires
decision regarding Jack Thomas and so despite failing to secure a
conviction against him has moved to punish him via the use of the
extraordinary 'control order' power.

"The Greens opposed the introduction of control orders and remain
opposed to the use of arbitrary powers of coercion against Australians."

Contact - Jon Edwards 0428 213 146