Chris Ellison (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Justice and Customs) Share this | Hansard source

I can advise the Senate that, on the advice I have, the last consular visit to David Hicks was on 27 September this year and the previous visit was on 8 June. I raise that because the consul general advised that Mr Hicks looked well, but he chose not to speak to the consul. No evidence of abuse or maltreatment has been found during any of the visits by Australian officials. Those visits have occurred on 17 occasions during the time that Mr Hicks has been incarcerated. I mentioned earlier that the Attorney-General has taken up some issues which were raised with him by Terry Hicks, the father of David Hicks, and that they are being pursued. The advice I have is that Mr Hicks is not held in solitary confinement. He is being held in the general block area in a single-occupancy cell. Cells in the general block area have windows providing natural light. He continues to have access to exercise and outdoor facilities in group areas. He has regular laundry services, books and a study area. We are advised that he has the opportunity of two hours recreation each day and can access exercise equipment, although he does not take up that opportunity on occasions. His cell is climate controlled and has a bunk, a sink and a toilet. He has access to hot showers and common toiletries are provided to him.

As I understand it, he has other amenities which are similar to those in Australia in maximum security detention. In this regard, I refer to those who are in custody awaiting trial for terrorism offences in Australia. I understand that people who are awaiting trial for serious terrorism offences in Australia are held in maximum security situations. They are segregated from other prisoners and they are allowed to exercise between 90 minutes and three hours per day. The conditions under which they are incarcerated are similar to those of Mr Hicks.

As we have demonstrated previously, should any issues be raised with the government in relation to Mr Hicks’s welfare, we will take them up, and that has been demonstrated recently by the meeting that the Attorney-General had with Mr Hicks’s father in Adelaide.