=
to prosecute for an offence committed outside Australia under the Crimes
(Torture) Act of 1988.
192. With regard to article 6 of the Convention, it was asked whether, under
the provision of paragraph 1 of that article concerning extradition for
offences involving acts of torture, the principle of universal jurisdiction
was applied by Australia.
193. With reference to article 8 of the Convention, it was asked whether the
Convention was regarded by Australia as providing a sufficient legal basis for
granting extradition to a country which had requested it.
194. With respect to article 9 of the Convention, it was asked what the scope
was of the provision in Australian law whereby persons could be compelled to
give evidence in relation to the prosecution of crimes in another country and
whether the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act, referred to in the
report, was part of federal legislation.
195. With regard to article 10 of the Convention, members of the Committee
wished to know what special educational opportunities were available for
medical professionals working in police stations, prisons and mental health
institutions to ensure that they were made aware of their obligations to avoid
ill-treatment of detainees, prisoners and patients. Information was also
requested concerning training for the prevention of torture provided to police
and prison officers in all states and territories of Australia. In that
connection, it was observed that the staff of rehabilitation centres referred
to in the report might be well qualified to provide training for medical and
other professionals in connection with torture.
196. Concerning article 11 of the Convention, members of the Committee sought
clarification as to how the internal review of rules and practices relating to
the custody and treatment of persons in detention was carried out in
practice. They also wished to know what authority was competent to decide on
detention; what authority in each state was responsible for monitoring
measures of detention and conditions and accommodation in prisons; whether
systematic reviews of the treatment of detainees involved unannounced visits
by judges to places of detention; and what federal authority was ultimately
responsible for prison institutions. In addition, members of the Committee
asked whether an accused person could be held incommunicado in Australia and,
if so, for how long; whether an accused person had the right to communicate
with his lawyer or to undergo a medical examination; within what period of
time a detainee was to be brought before a judge; whether e1ectro-convu1sive
therapy was part of the ordinary medical treatment given in mental health
institutions; what provision was made for the review of cases of persons held
involuntarily or even voluntarily in such institutions; and what protection
such persons had with regard to the duration and nature of their treatment.
197. With reference to articles 12 and 13 of the Convention, members of the
Committee wished to receive statistics and details of any reported cases of
torture. In that connection, information was also sought on any cases of such
complaints dealt with by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission.
198. In respect of article 14 of the Convention, members of the Committee
wished to know, in view of the large numbers of refugees received by
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