Mrs Irwin

I refer to your letter dated 17 June 2008 referring a petition submitted to the Committee.

I acknowledge that Mr van Oostveen is dissatisfied with the manner in which his grievances were handled by the Australian Government and the courts.

However, the rule of law and judicial independence are fundamental to the Australia’s system of government. Legal disputes between individuals, and between individuals and governments, are resolved by judges who are impartial.

The courts are not subject to direction by executive government and it would be inappropriate for me to comment on any particular proceeding involving Mr van Oostveen.

Any person not satisfied with a decision of an Australian court may seek redress through the appeals process. Mr van Oostveen may wish to seek legal advice on whether he has reasonable grounds on which to appeal any matter still before the courts.

The Government does not propose any royal commission into the matters raised by Mr van Oostveen.

The Attorney-General has received numerous correspondence from Mr van Oostveen. Responses to Mr van Oostveen are attached.

I hope this information is of assistance to the Committee when considering this petition. Yours sincerely

from the Attorney-General, Mr McClelland, to a petition presented on 16 June 2008, by The Speaker (from 1 citizen)