Andrew Wilkie, Peter Whish-Wilson and Greg Barns speak out on latest prosecution bid
The Australian government must urgently intervene to end to prosecution of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and secure his return home, local campaigners say.
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THE Australian government must urgently intervene to end to prosecution of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and secure his return home, local campaigners say.
A British court on Monday ruled that Mr Assange could not be extradited to the United States on the ground of his poor mental health. An appeal is expected.
He is wanted by US authorities on charges of computer hacking and espionage for publishing leaked intelligence implicating that nation’s military personnel in war crimes.
Independent Member for Clark, Andrew Wilkie MP said the British court decision was good news but said Mr Assange’s persecution must end.
“I call on the UK Government to release Julian Assange immediately,” he said.
“I call on the US president and the US president elect to drop the extradition and the charges immediately.
“And I call again on the Australian Prime Minister, who claims to have a very good relationship with the US and the UK administrations, for him to pick up the phone and to talk some sense into Boris Johnson and Donald Trump and to implore them very, very strongly, to allow the man to go free to be with his family in London, and to be allowed to return to Australia if that’s what he wishes.”
Mr Wilkie said the conditions under which Mr Assange were being held had contributed to his deteriorating mental state.
“I was fortunate to be able to visit Julian Assange in Belmarsh Prison last year, along with my parliamentary colleague George Christensen,” he said.
“It was very clear to me when I visited Belmarsh last year that it is a not just an imposing place, but a horrid place.
“It’s where the UK imprisons the worst of the worst — murderous terrorists — it is the last place that a journalist and whistleblower should be incarcerated.
“No wonder Julian Assange has been judged to be in very, very fragile state and at serious risk if he is eventually to be extradited.”
Barrister Greg Barns SC has acted as an adviser to the Assange campaign since 2013.
He said there were two more rounds of appeal possible, but common sense should prevail.
“It could end tomorrow. It could end tomorrow because President Trump could grant a pardon,” he said.
“It’s not that long ago that the Australian government was pressured to bring home David Hicks, who at Guantanamo Bay was also subjected to torture.
“Is it too much to expect that Scott Morrison picks up the phone immediately that [Australian Foreign Affairs Minister] Marise Payne picks up the phone to [US Secretary of State] Mike Pompeo and says let’s end this matter now,” he said.
Mr Barns said the Australian government must advocate for a complete end to the pursuit of Mr Assange.
“It needs to be saying to the United States that we will not stomach another extradition request in this country if Julian Assange returns with his partner, Stella Morris and his family and returns to his parents in Australia,” he told reporters.
“In other words, there’s no point Julian Assange coming back to Australia if the Australian government is going to allow the US to launch another set of extradition proceedings in this country.”
Greens Senator Whish-Wilson said the prosecution was payback for Mr Assange exposing the US to scrutiny for its conduct in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“The message is very clear: if you expose our dirty secrets, even if you’re exposes involve corruption in government, criminality, war crimes, gross human rights violations, if you expose our secrets, we will pursue you until you are broken and we will use all the power of our state to do so.
“That is a message that is hanging over all of us now.”
‘Racecourse will be ready for Elwick cup’
Monday, January 4
A SENIOR Victorian racing figure will head the inquiry into the failure of the $12.5 million Elwick track upgrade.
All thoroughbred racing at the track has halted until January 24 after the discover of large divots at the newly upgraded track.
Racing Minister Jane Howlett on Monday announced Harness Racing Victoria chair Dale Monteith would begin an inquiry into the debacle immediately and report by March 1.
“It is extremely disappointing that this has occurred, and we need to make sure that this doesn’t occur again,” she said.
“It’s absolutely disappointing for the industry and I am certain that moving forward, we will get this track right. We will have some clear recommendations that will come out of this investigation. And we will continue to build confidence in the industry.
“The industry rightly expects answers and they will get them.
“This independent investigation will look into the adequacy of Tasmanian thoroughbred racetrack conditions safety standards, maintenance and inspections.
“The rightful expectations of industry stakeholders are front and centre of the terms of reference in relation to the TasRacing and the Office of Racing Integrity in track safety, preparation inspections, reporting and communication to participants.”
But she said Elwick would be ready for the Hobart Cup.
“At the end of the day, the horses’ and the jockeys’ safety is paramount. So, if the track is deemed safe then, of course it will run. If it’s not deemed safe then we won’t, just like on Sunday.
“But I have full confidence, I’ve been told that the remedial work is settling and doing well.”
The $12.5 million track upgrade was grown and installed by turf company StrathAyr.
Ms Howlett released the terms of reference, which include the adequacy of track inspections and the competence of TasRacing staff as well as the suitability, performance and durability of the Elwick track and the Mowbray Racetrack.
Tasmanian Racing Club chairman Andrew Scanlon welcomed the inquiry.
“The Minister deserves to be congratulated for listening to the industry and acting decisively,” he said.
“I am optimistic the increased expertise and work on the Elwick track will ensure the three race meetings in late January and early February, including the Hobart Cup, will be highly successful and enjoyable events,” Mr Scanlon concluded.
Ms Howlett said the full results of the inquiry’s findings would be made public.
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