Computers in Cells: telecommunication rights for prisoners | 10 years of punitive policy for refugees in PNG

First up on the Doin' Time show this week, Marisa speaks with Brett Collins from Justice Action about his ongoing work in prisoner justice, specifically the Computers in Cells project, which by the end of the week will provide all prisoners in NSW with either a computer, tablet, or laptop in their cells. He talks about recent successes in international conferences in both Adelaide and Nairobi, and the specifics of telecommunications as a basic human right, allowing imprisoned people vital connections with family, education and legal services, telehealth and counseling providers, to name a few.  Next, Marisa speaks with Scott Cosgriff, Senior Lawyer at the Human Rights Law Centre, who welcomes the news of the forthcoming evacuation of detainees in Nauru.  Unfortunately, however, the Albanese Government is failing to take responsibility for those >80 men who have been resettled from Manus Island to Port Moresby, and living in poor conditions in Papua New Guinea since 2013 as a direct result of punitive and arbitrary Australian Government policy. He talks about the predictable and horrific health deterioration and "untold suffering" these individuals have been subjected to, and how it directly impacts their third-country resettlement options. Scott also highlights ongoing issues of transparency, how visa status is used to punish and deter people (including Australian-born children of refugees and their families), and why the Australian government should end this policy now to provide people a chance at livelihood and dignity.   Later on the program, Marisa thanks all who donated to Doin' Time for Radiothon 2023, reads a media release from the Human Rights Law Centre entitled Independent review recommends overhaul of Australia’s modern slavery laws, about the persistence of modern slavery for Australian businesses, governments and consumers, and gives a run-down of some of the topics Doin' Time has highlighted throughout the past year. You can still donate to help Doin' Time reach our Radiothon target:  make a tax-deductible donation online here, or give 3CR a call on (03) 9419 8377 during business hours.  Head to www.3cr.org.au/dointime for full access to links and previous podcasts.