Mr Burke example essay topic
Since it introduced mandatory sentencing laws which are also in force in Western Australia the NT government has consistently ignored criticisms by human rights groups that the laws are too inflexible, unnecessarily harsh and racially discriminatory. Although the Federal Government has the power to veto territory laws, the Prime Minister, Mr. Howard, has so far refused to intervene in order to overturn them. If any good at all can come from such a tragedy, it might be that the outrage of this boy's death could force a change of heart. The laws put Australia in breach of two United Nations conventions. The nation's judges, legal organisations and child welfare groups are urging the Federal Government to overturn the laws. The Government should intervene without delay.
It should also look at whether its obligation to international human rights conventions allow it to use its external affairs powers to challenge the laws in WA as well. Johnno Warramarrba is the first person to die under mandatory sentencing and the danger is that because Aboriginal people are affected so disproportionately he will not be the last. There is no evidence that these laws have the desired effect of reducing the crime rate. Even if the did, there is no place for them in any country that purports to have a humane and civil juvenile system. The NT Law Society president, Mr. Jon Tippett, described the death of this boy as a day of shame for all territorials. It is also, by extension, a day of shame for all Australians.
The rest of the world is already looking askance at us because of these laws, but even more important is the way we see ourselves. They must be overturned.