21st Mar 2007, 3:45 PM – Senate Motions - Mr David Hicks - Call for independent health professional assessment

The majority voted against a motion introduced by Australian Democrats Senator Natasha Stott Despoja. This means that it was unsuccessful. The motion was:

That the Senate-

(a) notes that:

(i)   March 2007 marks the one year anniversary of Mr David Hicks’ solitary confinement,

(ii)   in less than 7 days, Mr Hicks will be forced to front up to a military commission process that is a sham, and

(iii)   the date for Mr Hicks’ Federal Court of Australia case against the Australian Government’s inaction to protect a citizen abroad has been set for 17 May 2007;(Read more about Mr Hicks' case in the Federal Court on ABC's PM here. )

(b)   recognises the urgency for the Government to investigate reports that Mr Hicks was sedated forcibly before being told of the sworn charges against him; and

(c)   calls for independent health professionals to visit Guantanamo Bay immediately to assess, first hand, its conditions and the health of Mr Hicks.

One senator, Nationals Senator Barnaby Joyce, crossed the floor to vote 'aye' in favour of the motion.(Read more about crossing the floor in our FAQ section.)

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