Prisoners' Rights: Western Suburbs Legal Service v Dept of Justice - FoI Application regarding Prison Administration

On 6 February 2008, the Centre’s Director, Phil Lynch, gave evidence as an expert witness in support of a Freedom of Information application for access to a report prepared by the Corrections Inspectorate regarding separation orders and high security and management units in Victorian prisons. The matter is being heard in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, with the applicant, Western Suburbs Legal Service, being represented by Corrs Chambers Westgarth on a pro bono basis.

The Director’s witness statement considered Victoria’s obligations in relation to transparent and accountable prison management and conditions in light of the human rights standards enshrined in the Victorian Charter of Human Rights, the ICCPR, the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, and the UN Body of Principles for the Protection of All Persons under Any Form of Detention or Imprisonment.

Download the witness statement here.