Law lecture to examine rights of Australian citizens detained overseas

The lecture is the first in a series of law public lectures in 2010

In recent years the rights of Australian citizens when detained overseas have dominated media headlines and led to questions of what role and responsibilities the Australian government has in supporting them.

From the recent conviction of Australian Rio Tinto executive Stern Hu in China on bribery charges to the Schapelle Corby case just how much help the Australian government can give Australians overseas has come under intense scrutiny.

In an effort to dissect the issues surrounding the rights of Australian citizens when detained overseas and the obligations on the Australian government, USQ will next week welcome Professor Donald Rothwell - who will address these topics in what will be the first Shine Lawyers Public Lecture for 2010.

'Professor Rothwell is a leading commentator the rights of Australians who are in trouble with foreign governments,' USQ Law Professor Reid Mortensen said.

'He is currently a Professor of International Law at the Australian National University (ANU) College of Law. Professor Rothwell has had a distinguished academic career, including a period as Director of the Sydney Centre for International and Global Law at the University of Sydney.

'This issue of Australians detained by foreign governments has been of increasing public interest – when we think of the recent conviction of Stern Hu, the Schapelle Corby case, the Bali Nine, and the execution of Van Nguyen in Singapore.

'Professor Rothwell will discuss what responsibilities the Australian government has in providing consular, diplomatic and legal protection and assistance to citizens.'

Professor Mortensen said the issue of capital punishment overseas would be of particular interest.

'Australia’s clear domestic policy is that we do not endorse the death penalty, but that is not the case in other countries where Australians have found themselves in trouble - such as Indonesia and Singapore.

'And we expect the Australian Government to cooperate with foreign governments and share information and intelligence with them about drug trafficking and international crime. But when it does that, is the Australian Government actively exposing our own citizens to the risk of capital punishment overseas?'

The lecture will be held in Q501/502 at the University next Wednesday (April 21), with those planning to attend encouraged to register before this Friday (April 16).

For more information on the lecture please contact the USQ School of Law on 07 4631 1575.

Contact Details:
Josh Ada, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2559 or 0400 025 429