Who is Behind this Abuse of Power?
The detention of Dr Haneef in Villawood Jail, the circumstances of which are explained in the article by Julian Burnside posted on this website today, raises an important question.
Where did the idea of the revocation of Dr Haneef’s visa come from? Did it originate in the Minister’s office? Did it originate in the Prime Minister’s office? Was it a police recommendation? Was it an Immigration Department recommendation? It had to be one of these, which one was it?
If it came from a political office it demonstrates clearly the extent to which politics has interfered with and distorted the Rule of Law, indeed brushed the Rule of Law aside. If it has come from the police or from the Immigration Department, it indicates the extent to which the “war on terrorism” has corroded our civil institutions and reversed in significant ways, the century’s old fight against an abuse of executive power. Which is it? We should all be concerned.
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I couldn’t agree more Malcolm Fraser and well done to Julian Burnside for his efforts against the often unreasonable and illogical Peter Faris QC today on the ABC Midday program.
I am so disturbed by the government’s action and Labor’s support of this action, that I have written to both Mr Howard and Mr Rudd. This is a shameful day in Australia’s treatment of visitors to this country and our human rights record. To be left-wing seems to have become an insult and true liberal ideas are scorned by many in our society. I look forward to a more liberal future where fear does not rule the minds of citizens and Australia can hold it’s head up high with regards to its record on human rights.
The attitude of the Labor Opposition is equally disgraceful.
John Hooker
No decent australian should be surprised at the utter bastardry of the Howard government in this or any other matter where it sees political advantage. The litany of lies and deceit for which it is now renowned should have prepared us all for its most vicious attacks on our civil liberties.
The lack of transparency is of most concern in relation to Dr Haneef’s detention. I have no confidence whatsoever in the Minister of Immigration’s assertions that there is evidence to back his decision. Is it another case of Weapons of Mass destruction existing only in the government’s imagination, children pushed overboard by their parents etc to justify governmental abuse of civil liberties, by appealing to popular paranoia and xenophobia. It terrifies me, far more than terrorism, these knee jerk black and white reactions that in the end will only serve to increase people’s alienation and disenchantment with so-called western liberalism. there is no thinking mind here, no compassion or understanding, simply bigotry and political opportunism. My own hyperbole appals me, but it’s difficult not to speak this way in the face of such abuses. How can we put a stop to them?
One should be disgusted by but not surprised by the latest actions by the Howard government.
The real problem however is that not only do all government members follow blindly and silently but the opposition does also, it is left to a couple of state premiers to speak out, albeit very quietly.
If Howard does lose government at the next election there appears to be no alternative just more of the same.
I heard on AM this morning an interview with Lawyers for Dr Haneef’s second cousin in the UK. Thats the person he left the SIM card with. They made the interesting point that their client has not been charged with being a member of a terrorist organisation. They therefore find it hard to understand how Dr Haneef could be charged with supporting a member of such an organisation recklessly or not. I am similarly troubled.
How can Kevin Andrews say that his decision about Haneef’s character under the Immigration Act and the criminal proceedings are unrelated? What was Andrews given by the Federal Police which they did not show to the Brisbane Magistrate? Presumably the Federal Police were motivated to show everything to the Magistrate they had which was damning. Either Andrews is lightly persuaded (reds under the bed - second guessing the court) or the police held back the best stuff to show to Andrews privately to persuade him to revoke the visa so that any unfavourable decision from the court could be thwarted. Either way it is devilish and unacceptable.
The government and it’s spin-doctors are engaged in a face-saving exercise in incarcerating Dr Haneef in Villawood Jail. It is an attempt to reduce the fall-out from the farcical 12 day detention he has already undergone. It further undermines the power of judges and the courts.
Detention without trial is a prominent feature of societies taken over by fascist individuals.
This government is so steeped in immorality and so blinded by its own right-wing self-righteousness, there is no alternative but for all parties to join and call for removal of those responsible, including two-faced John Howard and Kevin Andrews.
It is a politically motivated and completely consistent with the modus operandi of this Government . I suggest the Law Council of Australia publically deplore this grave abuse of power and attack on the Judicial process and give both financial and legal support to an Appeal. Most responsible Australians would be disturbed if the Law Council made this a major issue.
The Federal Government’s treatment of Dr Haneef is utterly shameful. It is a frighening abuse of power and demonstrates the reactionary nature of the supposed “anti-terrorism” measures introduced by the Federal Government. We should all stand up to condemn these powers as they are profoundly anti-democratic. I am not only ashamed of being Australian, I am also ashamed that the Labor Opposition has been so gutless in backing up this anti-democratic action. The Prime Minister is fond of the word “un-Australian” but the actions of the Federal Government in the past few days is as un-Australian as possible.
I am very dismayed but not much surprised by the actions of Mr Andrews in cancelling Dr Haneef’s visa for what are almost certainly political reasons.There will be years of unjustified incarceration ahead for the doctor: shades of David Hicks. I am even more dismayed that Kevin Rudd is playing safe in political terms by again supporting the misuse of executive powers. Will we ever again see a government or opposition trust the electorate’s good sense by acting according to principle rather than to an anticipated electoral advantage? Thanks to Julian Burnside for once again informing us so clearly and concisely about the issues,
This is a crisis, a threat to the nation.
Repetition is the key to learning, repetition is the key to learning…..Baaaaaaa.
The Petrov affair, commies under the bed, children overboard, Oh, my God, the little children are in danger, Dr. Haneef is the boogie man. We must guard against the boogie man.
All these diversions to external issues of which most of us have little knowledge are wonderful tools for diverting attention from the mischief and incompetence of this government.
Our greatest enemy is ignorance. The government’s greatest enemy is the internet.
This is just another symptom of the dangerous downward spiral in our society when objective reasoning is giving way to witch hunts and inquisitions.
The specter of terrorism is being abused as a master key to undermine civil liberties. Are we going to follow the United States down the road towards a police state? Not if I can do anything about it!
When taken in isolation, these things may appear trivial to some, but they create precedents for further abuse of power. Seeing the big picture is vitally important if we are to return to a society where everyone gets a fair go.
Oh, for heaven’s sake! Is there no end to this government’s machinations? It took us five years to get David Hicks out and before you can say ‘habeus corpus’ they’ve got someone else locked up! This is nothing but an election stunt, and thank god Peter Beatie at least has questioned it. Kevin Rudd seems to be going down the Beazely ‘me too’ track on this one, to the great disappointment of many.
Never under-estimate the extent to which Howard has stroked the racist underbelly of Australians.
Recent letters to the Editor in “The Cairns Post” are hysterical racist rants against all Muslims claiming “Islam is going to take over the world” etc.
Did not Howards ministers claim that it was the Keating Labor Government who “allowed” the Mufti to come to Australia?
With all this in the background, I can understand Kevin Rudd’s reluctance to question the misuse of executive power.
We should all be very careful. Given what has happened to Haneef we might all end up charged with recklessly supporting terrorism if sometime in the future it turns out someone suspected of terrorism anywhere in the world took any comfort from our comments
I agree that Labor’s inaction on this is a serious disappointment. Labor missed the opportunity for a principled stand on Iraq and look where that helped to leave us - at an even greater threat to terrorism than before, despite Howard’s initial denial which he has since recanted.
The only reasons I can see why Labor has become such a lapdog of the Government is that labor believes Australians are fundamentally gutless and unprincipled.
Many , many Australians gave their lives at Gallipoli, on the Kokoda track and elsewhere to protect the democratic values and civil liberties we used to enjoy. They must be squirming in their graves - despite all of Howard’s nauseating references to mateship!
I do not use the word evil lightly but what has happened in the last few days is evil. Unfortunately the labor party is as guilty as the government. People must be brought to realise that what happens to their mortgage or the price of petrol is a mere bagatelle compared to this. We cannot vote for either of these parties. Where are the people whose love for their country is greater than their love of power? We need you now.
I am no friend of this govt. but I do find myself asking “what if?”,what if Dr Haneef does indeed have links to , and what if he really does actively support a terrrorist organisation.As long as it is not hidden away from vigorous public scrutiny, is it not best to be sure.I understand dangers of precidents and dont want to live in a police state, but what if holding him really does lead to uncovering terrorist cells here and abroad.I’m sure many of you will crucify me for my ignorance but none the less i look forward to your response.
To give hope to those of us who are seriously concerned about the erosion of the rule of law Australia needs another political party. The existing de facto two party system has clearly failed us as both the major parties, through State and Federal governments, are busy dismantling our time-honoured framework of civil liberties. Maybe this new party could be called The 10th of September Party. I would join.
We should not be surprised at the actions of the government regarding Dr Haneef. They have trampled on his human rights, but worse, they have, again demonstrated their complete disdain for the Rule of Law. Kevin Andrews decision that he is not a person of good character, based, he says, on secret information not available to the Magistrate who freed Dr Haneef on bail shows his own character and not favourably. The charge against him is trumped up and groundless, but Howard, Ruddick and Co. must have a political reason for this bastardry, so he must be locked up. Malcolm was right to question the motives,themethods employed. We should all be very alarmed that our government would go to such extreme lengths to justify its enormous expenses on their, so called, War on Terror. Perhaps we should rename it War Of Terror. The Opposition should be ashamed of itself for supinely acquiescing in this attack on Justice and the Rule of Law. Are they really an alternative or just more of the same?
Dear Sir/Madam,
I agree with
Tim Ayliffe fully, letter dated 18th July 2007 0810. But the main point I see here again is Dr Haneef is another David Hicks, which is “The main Problem” next week its you or I with no charge, for some time now I’ve felt that this is not the lucky Country. Life “was meant” to be easy Mr Fraser, but our Goverments have seen to it, allways have done, & allways will do, make sure it is not easy or free. ! ! ! It does’nt matter who starts up a new Government or what they say their “Guna” do, within the space of a very short time they all forget what they say their “Guna” do & if you look at History of us “little People” were just peasents that dont mater to the Governments or any body else with $$$. ! Action speaks louder then words, dont they say. ! Sorry to sound so negative but my fethers have been ruffled now, Cheers PJ.
Okay…I’m the first to stick up for anyone’s rights and to criticise the Howard government’s disgusting abandonment of David Hicks to the Americans, and the first to express disgust at the government’s callous disregard for the safety of refugees, so please hear me out.
At the moment, I have no problem with the government’s decision to detain this fellow to see what connection he may have to the attempted recent suicide bombing.
If the only thing they come up with is a simcard and a second cousin connection, then let him go as soon as possible. If he is held in humane conditions and allowed free access to family and legal advice while the matter is cleared up, it is a far less evil than the David Hicks situation, for example.
Some of us want to see if there is more to this situation than the first flimsy bits of evidence suggest, before he is set free. However, if he is not freed in a short time my opinion will change, and the government will see me waving placards.
I would like to thank Dr Haneef’s Lawyer for ensuring that the transcript of the intitial interview was released. The government’s actions are now revealed (to those who want to know). Thank goodness for people who have the conviction to fight for what has been up until now a very fair legal system.
The statements made by Messrs Howard, Ruddock and Andrews in recent days seem to be the actions of desperate men intent on holding onto power. No doubt they are trying to scare the electorate into delivering them another Tampa victory. Sadly for the Federal Government, I think the Australian people are awake to their antics this time and see their actions for what they are; acts of political bastardry! By the way, has anyone heard from Kevin Rudd in the last few days? As silent as a Kim about Tampa! Bravo Stephen Keim!
Children overboard, Cornelia Rau, David Hicks and now Dr Haneef. I am so sickened by the way in which this poor man is being treated that it makes me wonder who the real terrorists are. This is brought into even sharper focus by the pathetic support of Kevin Rudd and his mob of wannabees.
Looks like someone wants to rid us of any sense of freedom and privilege we currently enjoy. When it’s gone it’s gone. At least Peter Beattie recognised this the other day.
Veronica Paul (#18 above)called it evil. I agree. It is wicked. Perhaps the Rudd-led crowd has been chosen for the next stage.
It is almost impossible to entertain the idea that the detention of Dr Haneef is a purely bureaucratic response. This action has the political stamp of Howard, Ruddock et.al. all over it. This is to be expected, of course; when has the Liberal Party ever been averse to a scare campaign at election time? More worrying is Kevin Rudd’s abject failure to take the Government on - what sort of alternative government do we really have in Labor?
This situation has so many components that The Howard Government (not a “Liberal” govnmt)is likely to get away with not being accountable for EACH specific action. While the detention itself is a concern, this visa ploy to counteract bail with “cancellation without deportation” is more insidious. And as Haneef’s barrister highlighted on Lateline (what an excellent interview) - “PLEASE EXPLAIN” Ruddock & Howard: the briefs you “must” have received regarding illegality of the barrister’s actions re the Record of Interview?
I am very pleased that Mr Keim allowed the people of Australia to see the transcript of Mr Haneef’s interview.We need more people like Mr Haneef’s barrister, more people who are prepared to stand up for what is right, more people who are prepared to challenge the bullies and the liars. Thanks to all Auatralians who help uphold ‘Australian values’
Don’t be too harsh on Kevin Rudd in this disgraceful action by Howard and his equally amoral and arrogant cronies.
This is another example of Howard’s filthy wedge politics. It is nothing to do with Haneef and all to do with wedging Rudd and Labor.
The sacrifice of one man’s freedom in an attempt to force Kevin Rudd to defend Haneef’s democratic rights so that they can pounce on him for being weak on terrorism and national security is merely another indication of how far the Liberals (sic) have sunk.
If Rudd tries to act he will play right into Howard’s hands. The best Rudd can do is offer “in principle” support. A qualified support.
Once Howard wakes up to the fact that this hasn’t worked Haneef will be on the next flight.
Can’t wait to vote these unprincipled bastards out before we lose everything this country used to stand for.
I believe it was Edmund Burke who said ” The only thing necessary for evil to truimph is for good men to do nothing” wake up Australia for there are bad things happening in this wonderful country.
Hear, hear Kerry Byrne. Rudd is wise not to do anything at the moment. As I said before, no-one should underestimate the level of bigotry and suspicion Howard has generated in Australians towards Muslim people.
I had previously thought that that it would be quite impossible for any Minister For Immigration to be more appalling than Philip Ruddock. But Kevin Andrews has achieved the impossible. Are there no limits to the utter bastardry of which this dishonest, inept,
unaccountable,manipulative and horrible government is capable ? It seems not.
If not so serious, it would be laughable to hear Howard talk about “separation of powers” after blatantly using the ridiculous Kevin Andrews to subvert to course of justice by finding an alternate way of jailing Haneef after the court allowing him bail. How easy to label him “of bad character” without needing to justify this by presenting evidence? It is possible under our draconian laws to detain Haneef for questioning whilst disallowing any mention of this under pain of substantial penalty. However, the whole sorry story (complete with multiple lies and misinformations) has been liberally aired by all media. “The Australian” helpfully published the home addresses of Haneef and the other doctor questioned. In case this was not enough information for angry members of the public, they thoughtfully provided a map, giving the location of both homes, their workplace and the local mosque. Why? To encourage us to be afraid and angry. Anger & fear should be of government!
As a relatively new Australian, the way this man has been treated is disturbing. The Government has given itself tremendous power and but for the tremendous work of the legal fraternity and the media, a major injustice would continue to be perpetrated. The whole thing just does not strike me as a fair go. The parallels with David Hicks are just too current.
This latest indictment to human rights and civil liberty is disturbing and sickening. Where do we go from here?
This appalling abuse of our basic rights can be attributed purely to the Howard Government, and as their longevity increases so does their arrogance. Minister Andrews deserves all that befalls him. Rather than treating the whole Haneef affair appropriately the Government immediately politicised it by holding press conferences and providing selective information, which does not happen with most Federal Police arrests. We need to have our freedom returned.