CAAT Medi Releases and Links to Stories
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CAAT Media Releases
PINE GAP SECRECY LOCKED IN PLACE
The veil of secrecy that’s covered Pine Gap spy base the last 40 years was further tightened Thursday in a ruling of the Northern Territory Supreme Court that protects the Government from having to disclose the base’s activities. The barrister for four peace activists charged with entering Pine Gap argued last week that the Government should have to prove that the base is necessary for the defence of Australia, and therefore a prohibited area, before the Defence (Special Undertakings) Act 1952 can be used. But in handing down her decision Justice Thomas said it is enough for the minister to simply say the base is necessary for the defence of Australia without having to actually prove why it is. In a legal first, the four defendants, Jim Dowling, Bryan Law, Adele Goldie and Donna Mulhearn are charged under the Defence (Special Undertakings) Act 1952 which carries a maximum of seven years in prison for trespass. It is a decision of the Attorney General of the day to prosecute under the act. The group of Christian pacifists conducted a “Citizen’s Inspection” of Pine Gap last year, managing to breach the security of the top-secret facility, scale a building, unfurl banners and take photographs. One of the defendants, Donna Mulhearn, said the decision is a disturbing indication of the lack of separation of powers in Australia. “It is the right of the community to place Pine Gap and its activities under scrutiny,” she said. “This cold-war era act is specifically designed to deter any criticism or public examination of Pine Gap and other US defence installations. “It was a decision of the current Government to use this act in order to protect itself from accountability. “All Australians should be concerned that our right to know what goes on for the ‘defence’ of Australia is being withheld from them.” In a continuation of pre-trial discussion the case will be heard for mention on November 8 when the defence will indicate if it has further challenges to the use of the act. A date for trial is yet to be set. Further information Donna Mulhearn 0422 749319 |