PARLIAMENT MOTION CONDEMNS LONG BAY PATIENT LOCK IN

PARLIAMENT MOTION CONDEMNS LONG BAY PATIENT LOCK IN

Media release June 5, 2008

“Today Greens spokesperson Sylvia Hale MLC will move for
condemnation of the government’s decision to lock Long Bay patients in
cells for 18 hours a day to reduce costs” said Justice Action
spokesperson Brett Collins.

“The decision contradicts Premier Iemma’s own specific assurances
about Long Bay to Parliament in 2004 as Health Minister. He also
declared on becoming Premier that mental health was his “light on the
hill” by which he would judge himself to have failed” said Justice Action
spokesperson Michael Poynder.

“The decision has been condemned by Australia’s leading psychiatrists,
NCOSS, SANE Australia, the NSW Nurses Association and The
Aboriginal Justice Advisory Council saying that it will cause mental
illness.” Mr Poynder said.

“The Coroner in the Scott Simpson Inquest two years ago condemned
the callous behaviour of Corrective Services and Justice Health towards
patients, which caused a murder and a suicide. The same minister
Hatzistergos and commissioner Woodham with Justice Health
connivance are attempting to create prison-like conditions in the mental
hospital - precisely the point on which the Coroner was so concerned”
said Mr Collins.

All references and statements are on the website http://www.justiceaction.org.au

A news conference will be held at NSW Parliament today.

Contact: Brett Collins 0438 705003
Sylvia Hale 02 9230 3030

JUSTICE ACTION
Trades Hall, Suite 204, 4 Goulburn St, Sydney
NSW 2000 Australia.
PO Box 386, Broadway NSW 2007
T 612 9283 0123 | F 612 9283 0112
E ja@justiceaction.org.au
http://www.justiceaction.org.au