Date : September 9, 2002 Original News Release Joint Media Release 26 September 2002 Minister for Foreign Affairs Alexander Downer and Minister for Justice and Customs Senator Ellsion Australia and Thailand Ratify Prisoner Exchange Treaty The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Alexander Downer, and the Minister for Justice and Customs, Senator Chris Ellison, today announced that Australia and Thailand have ratified a transfer of prisoners treaty. The agreement with Thailand is Australia’s first bilateral treaty allowing for the international transfer of prisoners and signals the start of the International Transfer of Prisoners scheme in Australia. The treaty is a most welcome development and shows the strength of the relationship between the two nations. Ratification of the treaty opens the way for Australians held in Thai prisons and Thais imprisoned in Australia to apply to return to their home country to serve out the remainder of their prison sentence. Australians returned under these arrangements would remain in prison to serve out their sentences but would do so in circumstances that would reduce the hardship caused to their families and significantly enhance the prospects of rehabilitation. The Commonwealth Government has also made arrangements for Australia’s International Transfer of Prisoners scheme to extend to more than 50 other countries through the Council of Europe Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. Transfers will be possible between Australia and the countries that are Parties to the Convention from 1 January 2003. Transfers will be carried out on a consensual basis requiring agreement by the authorities of the transfer country, the Commonwealth Government, the relevant Australian State or Territory government and the prisoner. Information materials will be disseminated to advise potentially eligible prisoners of the start of the scheme and provide them with information on how to apply for a transfer. Media inquiries: Chris Kenny (Mr Downer's office) 02 6277 7500 / Mairi Barton (Senator Ellison's office) 02 6277 7260
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