Dear Neville

Thank you for your recent email in connection with the situation of Ms Schapelle Corby in Indonesia. I am always happy to have people let me know their views and indicate to me what action they think I should be taking. It is also imperative that the Government is made to realise the strength of objection on any matter by having large numbers of people of like mind make direct representations to the Government by letter, email, fax or telephone - as this is the most effective way to get the message through and stimulate a policy change. So thank you for sending your views to those Government members of Parliament as well as to me.

I have been particularly concerned to ensure that Ms Corby is being given a fair trial and Labor has been very active in pursuing this end since the case first came to our attention. While we respect the authority and independence of the Indonesian courts and understand that we cannot interfere in the case, we want to be sure that everything possible is being done under Indonesian law to ensure that she receives justice.

Labor Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, Kevin Rudd, first met with Ms Corby's lawyers in November last year. At that time, he wrote to the Minister for Transport asking him to provide assistance in obtaining evidence relating to the checking and screening of Ms Corby's baggage in Australia. Mr Rudd also wrote to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, asking him to arrange for the Australian Federal Police to test the origin of the drugs. Kevin Rudd's office has kept in touch with Ms Corby's counsel to ensure that Labor is kept up to date with developments.

Labor has also met with the Indonesian Ambassador to Australia to discuss matters relating to the case. Most recently, I raised the case of Ms Corby when I met with President Yudhoyono during his recent visit to Australia and reinforced with him the shared interest of both Indonesia and Australia in ensuring that Ms Corby receives a fair trial. I also urged the Government to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the visit of the Indonesian President to Australia. It is an undeniable fact that Australians are subject to the laws of the countries that they visit. Australia cannot interfere in the legal system of another country. The Department of Foreign Affairs assures us however, that they have provided a good level of consular assistance and that representatives have met regularly with Ms Corby since she was detained. Labor also opposes the death penalty and has welcomed the moves to make sure that Ms Corby does not receive that sentence in the unfortunate event that she is found guilty. The establishment of a prisoner exchange program with Indonesia is also supported by Labor.

We continue to urge the Government to follow the case closely and to provide all possible assistance to ensure that Ms Corby receives a fair trial.

Yours sincerely
KIM C BEAZLEY MP
Member for Brand
Leader of the Opposition