Date: Wed, 23 Oct 2002

From: David Pollock POLLSY (a) ROCKETMAIL.COM
Subject: Freedom of Speech, Aust. Greens.
To: napnt (a) yahoo.com

Hey there NAP folk!
Here is a copy of my letter to Darwin Council re: permit for smoke-ups. I've sent it to the CEO's secretary, and to the general dcc@darcity... address, however, I'm having trouble finding a list of alderman on their web site so far.

FROM: David Pollock, Australian Greens, NT.

TO: Secretary of the CEO of the Darwin City Council.

Dear Madam/Sir,

To be free to speak in public and express one's beliefs is a fundamental right in any democratic society. It is vital in promoting public debate of important issues that confront societies from time-to-time. For instance over the last 100 years or so, public events and peaceful protests have been
successful in:

- gaining voting rights for women
- ending the Vietnam War
- freeing East Timor and in raising public awareness in many other issues

In the times of these struggles, protesters faced difficult opposition from (initial) public majority views, governments and police. However, even small
protests over the years have helped to bring about sensible change for the better. (eg. several "Free East Timor" rallies outside the Indonesian consulate
in Darwin).

I'm confident that we all believe in this right of a citizen to speak out and raise public debate on any issue, even if we do not neccessarily share the same
opinions as that person. A vital foundation of freedom and democracy is the right to be able to express one's opinion - whatever that may be - as long as
other sensible laws are not being broken in the process.

I am NOT a member of NAP (Network Against Prohibition) and although some of their views seem very sensible, I do not agree with them all. However I strongly support their fundamental right to be able to hold peaceful rallies in Raintree Park if they wish to do so. I understand that police used a great deal of force in arresting both of the organisers (Gary Meyerhoff and Mick Lambe) during the first 'smoke-in' in April 2002.

However, when they appeared in Darwin Magistrates Court to defend the charges the police prosecution dropped all charges - effectively admitting unlawful arrest and unnecessary police intervention during an otherwise peaceful and legal event.

I have attended two of NAP's 'smoke-ins' in Raintree Park and they were both peaceful, law-abiding events with several well-informed speakers and excellent
entertainment from local musicians. Even though I do not agree with all NAP's views they do raise important questions and have many valid points to make.

They are NOT trying to glorify drug use or suggest that society would be better if we all took more drugs. On the contrary NAP wants more education on the health effects of drugs and measures implemented to help the spread of diseases such as hepatitis-C and HIV.

They believe that many of the resources used in the (so far ineffectual) "war on drugs" are a waste of public money. Our society would be better for all if that money was used for drug education, disease prevention and other crime-fighting.

I was due to speak on behalf of the Australian Greens at the latest 'smoke-in' on Saturday October 12th but, alas, I was out of town due to other commitments. As you will be aware this was the second time that the otherwise peaceful event became violent.

I spoke with an independent witness who observed the arrests on that day. This witness stated that police were clearly intimidating members of the public and NAP members in the lead-up to the arrests. More armed police were called to the site BEFORE any trouble began. No drug charges were laid. The only charges were in relation to scuffles that occurred AFTER police stepped in.

I predict that most or all of these charges will be dropped by the prosecution as happened in Darwin Magistrates Court in relation to similar charges for
the first 'smoke-in'. In otherwords ti seems that NO LAWS WERE BROKEN.

Of course you may not agree with the following policies of The Australian Greens - that is your right. However, I ask that you at least read them. We have great public support (winning the latest federal by-election for instance) and thus are hardly a radical illegal operation! Our policies on drugs often overlap with those of NAP.

The Australian Greens believe that:

- community-based counselling and support services
should be widely available for drug-users, without
condemnation;
- regulation should aim to maximise individual health
and social safety and well-being;
- decriminalisation of drugs is needed (Drug users
may sometimes need support and help rather than being
locked up);
- more appropriate classifications for drugs be made
based on their effects upon health (including alcohol
and tabacco);
- wide availability of relevant information about
drugs is needed;
- examinations should be made into the causes of drug
use/abuse and the connections to wider issues such as
unemployment, homelessness and lack of hope for the
future;
- successful overseas models should considered such
as those in Amsterdam where the regulated supply of
cannabis is allowed at registerd venues (like alcohol
licencing laws here) and possession and cultivation of
cannabis for personal use be legalised;
- examinations are needed into the practices of
Australia's police forces with the aim of minimising
drug-related corruption; and
- testing of alcohol levels in drivers should
continue with strong penalties for driving over the
limit.

(Source: The Australian Greens National Policy, pp. 35-36).

I understand that Darwin City Council has refused to issue a permit to Nicolette Burrows (Network Against Prohibition) for Raintree Park, 9th November 2002. I hereby ask you, in your capacity as a member of Darwin City Council, to do all you can to convince your fellow Aldermen of the need for DCC to reconsider it's
decision in this matter. Please grant NAP a permit for their proposed event in the interests of promoting that vital right of all members of a free, fair
democracy.

That is: the right to discuss opinions in a sensible and peaceful manner, no matter what those opinions may be.

Yours faithfully,
David Pollock
Australian Greens, NT
PO Box 331
Nightcliff, NT.
ph 8985 1295.

Posted: Sat, 9 Nov 2002

Smoke-in protesters fear police raid

Darwin's Network Against Prohibition says it fears a police raid on its seventh smoke-in this afternoon.

The network's Gary Meyerhoff says the monthly protest against drug laws will go ahead in Raintree Park, despite a refusal by Darwin City Council to issue a permit for the event.

The council offered protesters the option of meeting in Civic Park but Mr Meyerhoff says the venue is not suitable.

"We are concerned that in Civic Park due to the fact that it's sort of out of the central business district there won't be many people around," he said.

"It will be easier for the police to harass or attack even the peaceful protesters."

The protest meeting was due to begin at midday ACST.

Council reply to emails from NAP supporters

In reply please quote 330848 29

October 2002

Mr Scott White

Dear Mr White

Network Against Prohibition - Permits to conduct protests

Thank you for your letter to Council in support of the Network Against Prohibition being granted permits to conduct demonstrations in Raintree Park. Council's policy on the use of Raintree Park for community meetings was developed in conjunction with representatives of a large number of community activist and dissident groups.

The principles behind the policy to allow free permits to be issued for the use of this central location were agreed by all parties. Whilst the Network will not be issued permits for the use of this area as its activities no longer meet the agreed guidelines, application may be made for permits to conduct peaceful protests in Civic Park.

Although the important role played by community action groups in raising community awareness and provoking discussion is acknowledged, this cannot override the expectations of members of the general community that they may use such high profile pedestrian areas without being subjected to amplified protest declarations, anti social behaviour and offensive language.

In recent months Council has issued a permit to the Network Against Prohibition for protests in Raintree Park, The Mall several times. The Network was informed of the need to use this area in an orderly fashion and this has been ignored resulting in complaints to Council from members of the public.

Yours sincerely

DIANA LEEDER

DIRECTOR COMMUNITY SERVICES