FED: Reconciliation leaders cry in condemning mandatory laws

AAP General News (Australia)
02-13-2000
FED: Reconciliation leaders cry in condemning mandatory laws

Australian of the Year Sir GUSTAV NOSSAL and indigenous leader EVELYN SCOTT wept today
as they condemned the mandatory sentencing laws which they blame for a 15-year-old orphan's
suicide.

Ms SCOTT the chairwoman of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation, and her deputy
Sir GUSTAV have branded the Northern Territory laws which took the Groote Eyland boy from
his community a disgrace.

Ms SCOTT says she doesn't know how it would be explained to the world if it happened
during the Olympic Games in Sydney.

An emotional Sir GUSTAV says the NT must repeal the laws that imposed a mandatory 28-day
sentence on the boy for stealing less than $100 in stationary and paint.

Sir GUSTAV, who was named Australian of the Year for his work in reconciliation and
medical research, says CAR members have yet to decide what action to take on mandatory
sentencing.

A Senate committee will continue taking evidence on mandatory sentencing in NT and
Western Australia this week.

AAP RTV rmg/tso

KEYWORD: MANDATORY CAR (CANBERRA)

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