Page 830 - Week 05 - Thursday, 6 July 1989
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Detention of ACT Protesters
Mr Collaery asked the Attorney-General, without notice, on 31 May 1989:
Will the Chief Minister advise the house whether she will be taking any action on the scandalous state of affairs which has arisen as a result of ACT citizens being arrested, fingerprinted and detained without bail in New South Wales during recent protests in south-eastern forests?
Ms Follett: The answer to Mr Collaery's question is as follows:
There have been several media reports of a number of protesters being arrested and charged for trespassing in restricted areas of the south-eastern forests. I understand that some of these protesters have come from places outside New South Wales, including the ACT. When brought before the courts, some have refused to give an undertaking, as a condition of bail, that they would not return to the protest area. Bail was accordingly refused, and they were remanded in custody.
Whether or not they are guilty of the offences with which they have been charged will be decided by a New South Wales court. However, I have been given no reason to believe that the ACT protesters were treated any differently from any other persons appearing before New South Wales courts in similar circumstances or that they were treated otherwise than in accordance with the law in New South Wales.
As you know, I am always concerned about the welfare of ACT residents. Should any evidence be produced to indicate that ACT residents are being discriminated against or treated illegally, I will naturally consider taking appropriate action.
Metal Recycling
Mrs Grassby: On 4 July 1989 Mr Stefaniak asked a question without notice on what the Government proposed to do about the metal recycling yard run by Rod Wallace and Company in Newcastle Street, Fyshwick, who, he suggested, is not abiding by the terms of the contract issued by the ACT Administration in relation to the recycling of car bodies and other scrap metal.
My answer to the member's question is as follows:
The contract referred to is actually held by Wanless Scrap Metal of Sydney, with supervision of local operations by Steelma Holdings trading as MG Metals.
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