[Greens-Media] Media Release - Senate backs Greens motion for federal action to help Rose Anne Fulton

[Redman, Chris (Sen R. Siewert)]

18 March 2014

Senate backs Greens motion for federal action to help Rose Anne Fulton

The Senate has backed an Australian Greens motion calling on the Federal Government to assist in the case of Rose Anne Fulton, who has been held in custody in Kalgoorlie, WA for 18 months without a trial or conviction.

The motion was moved by Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens spokesperson on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues.

"It is unacceptable for people to be held indefinitely in custody without conviction," Senator Siewert said today.

"It is cause for national shame that people with disabilities are being left in custody because of a lack of suitable accommodation, services and supports.

"The Senate has noted the NT Government's failure to provide suitable accommodation and treatment options for Ms Fulton, which would allow the WA government to safely and securely transfer her back to Alice Springs, where she can be near her family. 

"I urge the Federal Government to take note of today's decision by the Senate and take on a leadership role in working with the NT Government to ensure Ms Fulton can safely move back to Alice Springs.

"Ms Fulton's case highlights wider failings within our criminal justice systems. There are many people with disabilities, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, being held without conviction around Australia.

"Federal, state and territory governments have an obligation to ensure no one is denied natural justice or has their human rights infringed upon because of their disability," Senator Siewert concluded.



Motion Text

NOTICE OF MOTION - Senator Rachel Siewert

Rose Anne Fulton

I give notice that on the next day of sitting I shall move that - 

The Senate:

1. Acknowledges: 
a) Rose Anne Fulton has been held in custody in Kalgoorlie for 18 months without a trial or conviction;
b) That it is unacceptable for people to be held in custody indefinitely without conviction 

2. Notes:
a) The failure of the NT government to provide suitable accommodation and treatment options in order for the WA government to safely and securely transfer Rose Anne Fulton back to her home in Alice Springs
b) That Rose Anne Fulton is directly under the guardianship of the NT Minister for Health as she remains an adult guardian client of the Northern Territory Health Minister and Mr Ian McKinlay.

3. Calls on the Federal Government to take leadership and negotiate a transfer of Ms Fulton to Alice Springs to enable her to be close to her family.