News

International News Comment & Analysis Australian News Cultural Dissent Loose Cannons Cartoons

Hot Topics

Environment Latin America Region Workers & Unions United States Region International solidarity Australian Elections Corporate globalisation

Discussions

GLW Discussions List Links Bolivia Rising Ecuador Rising LeftClick Live from Palestine

Advertising

The following ads are selected by google. For more info click here.

BRIEF, AUSTRALIA
Long Bay education slashed

Kerry Smith

26 July 2008

The NSW Teachers Federation (NSWTF) and the Greens have condemned a move by the state government to cut access to education programs at the Long Bay Forensic Hospital when it relocates.

The forensic hospital, which accommodates prisoners with serious mental illness, has had its education access programs cut in half.

John Kaye, NSW Greens MP, described the move as a callous attack on human rights, saying "Education is a core component of rehabilitation. The loss of access to programs will leave inmates with a greatly reduced chance of recovering."

Apart from being a breach of Australia's human rights obligations, Kaye said cutting the education program will drive up long-term costs, as "the number of inmates who are able to leave the forensic hospital will be reduced as recovery from mental illness is impeded".

The NSWTF has written a letter to NSW Premier Morris Iemma, calling on him to ensure all education staff and facilities are relocated to the new hospital, and programs able to continue.