澳大利亚维多利亚州劳工党政府计划修订《惩教法》，将囚犯每日获得新鲜空气至少一小时的权利改为"受运营考虑限制"[1]。这一立法举措源于黑帮头目George Marrogi在最高法院的诉讼胜利，但政府已承认该法案违反了维多利亚州人权宪章[1]。修订案还将停止州政府为之前侵犯囚犯新鲜空气权的行为支付赔偿[1]。
Justice Claire Harris在1月的判决中裁定，Metropolitan Remand Centre的Exford单位以及Barwon监狱的Olearia、Melaleuca和Acacia单位没有提供充分的开放空气环境[1]。该立法引发了人权倡导者、监察员和前政治犯的强烈反对。监察员Marlo Baragwanath警告称，"如果这些变化成为法律，它们将对任何被羁押的人产生广泛和重大的人权影响"[1]。前政治犯Kylie Moore-Gilbert表示："这个恐怖组织每天给我至少30分钟的户外时间，即使在单独监禁时也是如此。维多利亚州政府为什么要提议将其人权标准降低到伊朗专制政权之下？"[1]
定于周三在维多利亚州议会外举行抗议，周四立法会投票预期进行[1]。
Victoria's Labor government has proposed legislation that would weaken prisoners' entitlement to at least one hour of fresh air daily by making it subject to "operational considerations," sparking fierce opposition from human rights advocates, the state ombudsman, and former political detainees.[1] The legislative push follows a Supreme Court victory by gangland boss George Marrogi, though the government has acknowledged the changes would breach Victoria's human rights charter.[1]
The proposed amendments to the Corrections Act would allow the state to restrict fresh air access on a "continuous basis or extended period," effectively halting ongoing litigation over prison conditions.[1] The legislation would also prevent the government from paying compensation for previous violations of prisoners' fresh air rights.[1] Justice Claire Harris had ruled in January that several units across Metropolitan Remand Centre and Barwon Prison—including Exford, Olearia, Melaleuca, and Acacia—failed to provide adequate open-air facilities.[1]
Former political detainee Kylie Moore-Gilbert drew stark comparisons in her criticism, stating: "This terrorist organization gave me at least 30 minutes outside every day, even in solitary confinement. Why is the Victorian government proposing to lower human rights standards below Iran's authoritarian regime?"[1] State Ombudsman Marlo Baragwanath warned that "if these changes become law, they will have broad and significant human rights impacts on any detained person."[1] Protests are scheduled for Wednesday outside Victoria's parliament, with a legislative vote expected Thursday.[1]