Ruddock misleads WA over Swan Nyungah Camp

24/7/07
Attorney General Jim McGinty has accused the Federal Government of trying to cover up its support for the re-opening of the notorious Swan Valley Nyungah Camp.
Mr McGinty said the Federal Government had been caught out providing funds to support a legal fight to overturn the State Government's decision to close the camp, which was the scene of horrific child abuse and the death of teenager Susan Taylor.
"The horrors that occurred at the Swan Valley Nyungah Camp shocked the people of Western Australia and led to the Gordon Inquiry," he said.
"It is outrageous that John Howard and Philip Ruddock would fund attempts to re-open the camp.
"Thankfully the case was rejected in April this year, but now the Federal Government is considering an application to fund an appeal, despite Mr Ruddock publicly denying it."
In a radio interview on 6PR on July 6, 2007 Mr Ruddock told Howard Sattler; 'I just make the point that there was a. a . a challenge, under the . under the. under the Racial Discrimination Act, I think, and that was rejected. And we're not funding any ongoing appeal.'
Premier Alan Carpenter wrote to the Prime Minister in June this year asking him to intervene to ensure that no more public funds would be provided for the case. The Prime Minister has not yet responded.
In the radio interview with Howard Sattler, Mr Ruddock said; 'the matter's been dealt with by the Federal Court, we haven't received any application and there's no further appeal.'
Mr Ruddock repeated his assertion later in the interview; 'the matter's been dealt with by the Federal Court and there's no further appeal.'
"We know this isn't true," Mr McGinty said.
"There is an appeal and Mr Ruddock has received an application to fund it.
"An appeal was lodged by Bella Bropho on May 4, 2007, which if successful, would enable the camp to re-open.
"The appeal has been listed for a directions hearing before Justice Robert French tomorrow and on the basis of this listing, it is anticipated that the appeal will be heard in the November sittings of the Full Federal Court.
"It seems that the Federal Government is attempting to use the camp as a political weapon."

Mr McGinty said the people of WA would not support the reopening of the camp.
"John Howard must guarantee that his Government won't give another cent in taxpayer funds to this appeal," he said.
Attorney General's office - 9422 3000