03/15/2002 "Unions condemn accusations against Justice Kirby"

Unions condemn accusations against Justice Kirby
- Victorian Trades Hall Council (MEDIA RELEASE)

Victorian Trade Unions call on Prime Minister Howard, the Attorney General, Darryl Williams and Parliamentary Secretary to Cabinet, Senator Bill Heffernan to redress accusations made against Justice Michael Kirby under the cover of parliamentary privilege.

"There is no justification for this behaviour," said Leigh Hubbard, Victorian Trades Hall Council Secretary. "This is an abuse of parliamentary privilege.

It is also a total breach of due process. Child sexual abuse is a very serious matter, which must be handled with care and responsibility. If Senator Heffernan believes there is evidence of wrong doing on the part of Justice Kirby, he ought to be referring the matter to the appropriate authorities, not making slanderous accusations in the absence of evidence and under the cover of his position as a
parliamentarian."

Gay and Lesbian workers are exposed to homophobic harassment coming from colleagues, managers and employers.

"Heffernan's comments in relation to Justice Michael Kirby serve to reinforce a culture of homophobia", says Ellen Kleimaker, VTHC Women's and Equity Officer and member of UNITE, the union group for lesbian and gay workers.

"It is interesting to note that Senator Heffernan has previously made similar allegations in Parliament against an Indigenous leader. This leads me to believe that his focus is not on addressing the real and serious issue of child sexual abuse, but simply venting, what appears to be his homophobic and racist
views," said Mr Hubbard.

"To do this at a time when the Governor-General is at the centre of controversy over his handling of child abuse allegations within the Anglican Church leads one to believe that Senator Heffernan's comments are designed to act as a diversion from this serious constitutional headache for the government," sid Leigh Hubbard.