Media release
Palmer United Party federal leader and Member for Fairfax, Clive Palmer, says he plans to introduce a private member’s bill to help stop the future executions of Australians in Indonesia.
His comments come as Australians Myuran Sukumaran, 33, and Andrew Chan, 31, face imminent execution on drugs charges.
Mr Palmer is urging the Indonesian government to show mercy for the two Australians.
“By all accounts these men are fully repentant for their actions and have been rehabilitated whilst in prison. The death penalty is barbaric and will solve nothing,’ Mr Palmer said.
Mr Palmer said the member’s bill would address issues of Australian authorities cooperating with Indonesian police when it meant the death penalty could be imposed on Australian citizens in that country.
“If the Australian Federal Police are aware of Australians involved in a capital punishment crime committed in Indonesia, then they should not be allowed to provide information which could expedite the death penalty,’’ Mr Palmer said.
“If these two Australian citizens were arrested on their return to Australia, their lives would be saved.
“There needs to be an urgent review of policies that could expose Australians to the death penalty.
“I will introduce a private member’s bill to restrict co-operation between Australian and Indonesian authorities when the outcome involves capital punishment for our citizens,’’ Mr Palmer said.
ENDS