Ten years ago, the infamous Guantanamo Bay detention camp was established and Australian David Hicks became one of the first inmates.
Ten years on, the dark shadow of Guantanamo remains. David Hicks' case cannot and should not be forgotten.
David Hicks' experiences during those years are well-known but the facts about his incarceration and treatment, at the hands of our US ally, remain horrifying. He was subject to years of incarceration without charge and experienced systematically cruel and degrading treatment, with the complicity of our own government.
As Australians, we rightfully expect our government to apply the law fairly and consistently and protect our fundamental rights as citizens, irrespective of whoever - or wherever - we may be. This is the 'rule of law', a central tenet of any democracy.
Attorney General Nicola Roxon, In 2006 as Shadow Attorney-General, you were right when you consistently called for a fair trial for David Hicks and highlighted the important role of the Australian Government in upholding human rights, fair process and the rule of law for our citizens. Now that you are the Government's chief legal officer, you have the opportunity to "walk the talk". I call on you to establish an independent inquiry into the former Australian Government's role in David Hicks' detention, treatment and unfair trial. As citizens we have a right to know how this breach of trust occurred, and that it will not be repeated.
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