Prison Damages Our Women – Forum at NSW Parliament

“We need to find other ways to deal with the social problems that lead to the imprisonment of women. Locking so many away causes too much damage to the women and their families, and this is not in the community interest” said Hon Elizabeth Evatt.

All the political parties have responded to an analysis and recommendations, providing the impetus for this debate on a very serious public issue.

The Women in Prison Forum will be held on Wednesday 13th August at Parliament House at 5.45pm, chaired by Hon Elizabeth Evatt, AC, former Chief Justice of the Family Court of Australia.

Three experts will be presenting on issues specific to women in prison, including former magistrate Pat O’Shane.

Attorney-General Brad Hazzard and representatives of all political parties will be in attendance.

CJC Vice President Hon John Dowd added, “Education is essential for these women to take back control of their lives and re-integrate into the community. Having computers in cells will be a catalyst for learning, an appropriate and much better alternative to having a TV.”

Contact: John Dowd 0439 625007

Community Justice Coalition
info@communityjusticecoalition.org
http://www.communityjusticecoalition.org/

You are invited to a FORUM

Mothers, Sisters, Daughters:
Women in Prison

WEDNESDAY 13 AUGUST 2014
5.45pm-7.30pm – Registration 5.15pm

PARLIAMENT HOUSE,
Macquarie Room, Macquarie Street, Sydney

FORUM CHAIR:
THE HON. ELIZABETH EVATT AC
Former Chief Justice, Family Court of Australia

SPEAKERS:
THE HON. PAT O’SHANE AM
Former Magistrate, first Australian Aboriginal barrister

PROFESSOR EILEEN BALDRY
President of NSW Council of Social Services, Professor of Criminology UNSW

KAT ARMSTRONG
Director of Women In Prison Advocacy Network (WIPAN)

Three experts in the field will present issues specific to women in prison focussing on sentencing, prison conditions and after care.

Responses by political parties to a background paper by Margaret Joy with recommendations on the issues.
Paper and poster download

Questions from the floor.

Join us as we explore this complex and often confusing issue.

Adults $20, students, concession $10 cash or cheque only
RSVP: info@communityjusticecoalition.org

Community Justice Coalition

International Commission of Jurists

Women in Prison Advocacy Network

The Community Justice Coalition comprises organisations including the Aboriginal Legal Service, Unions NSW, the International Commission of Jurists, NCOSS, NSW Aboriginal Land Council, NSW Teachers Federation and NSW Council for Civil Liberties.
Community Justice Coalition