The Amnesty Forum on this year’s Apology Day highlighted the need to reduce the over representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in the criminal justice system in Qld. Speakers at the Forum included representatives from the Project 10% Campaign, the social justice and human rights sector and the legal fraternity.

Gracelyn Smallwood, Townsville based academic and activist, spoke about the dire need to improve the relationship between police and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and the ongoing injustices surrounding the Palm Island case of the death of Mulrunji Doomadgee.

Terry Fisher, solicitor and justice campaigner, warned of the implications of the implementation of the Moynihan Review and how this will impact negatively on outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people seeking justice.

Ken Georgetown, CEO of Murriwatch and Chair of ATSILS Qld, reiterated the need for action and the commitment by the Murri and Islander communities to the goal to reduce imprisonment rates by 10% for ten years.

Colleen Wall, CEO of ATSIWLAS, spoke of the impact of imprisonment on families and children and the need to think creatively in order to keep families together and move communities forward.

Claire Mallinson, National Director of Amnesty Australia spoke of the international pressure than can be brought to bear around this issue and the value of a human rights framework

Stephen Keim, barrister and winner of the 2009Australian Human Rights Commission Medal together with ANTaR Qld President, Kitty Carra, facilitated questions from the floor

Coverage of the Forum can be seen as part of the ABC News piece here http://www.abc.net.au/news/video/2010/02/13/2818892.htm or you can contact the ANTaR Qld office for more information on 3844 9800 or office@antarqld.org.au