Ms MARTIN - 1996-10-17
In December 1995, convicted murderer Daniel Luther Heiss escaped from Darwin Prison, causing widespread terror throughout the community and costing taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars for his recapture. The then minister said Heiss would be punished for this escape. Just 10 months later, Daniel Luther Heiss is being allowed to hold a public exhibition of his artworks. What kind of punishment is this for a prison escapee and convicted murderer?
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, this question is typical of the member for Fannie Bay in that she is obviously trying to create the impression that this convicted criminal is to be allowed to leave prison to set up an art exhibition.
Mr Stirling: You said he would be punished.
Mr MANZIE: According to advice from the director of Correctional Services, Heiss has been placed in maximum security and he will remain in maximum security. I can only assume that he is painting in a cell by himself. He is definitely held under maximum security, unlike the sort of programs one would expect from the Labor Party right throughout the country which always has programs to ensure the release of people who are held under maximum security and to deal with them softly. This government will continue to ensure that maximum security means maximum security. I will be very pleased to obtain details about the circumstances under ...
Ms Martin interjecting.
Mr MANZIE: The member for Fannie Bay does not want people to hear me.
Mr SPEAKER: Order!
Ms Martin: I merely asked something.
Mr SPEAKER: Order!
Mr MANZIE: The community may be assured that Mr Heiss will not be attending his own art show. Any suggestion by the member for Fannie Bay that somehow Heiss will be allowed out is absolutely false. It is typical of her because she never sticks to the facts.
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ANSWER
Mr Speaker, this question is typical of the member for Fannie Bay in that she is obviously trying to create the impression that this convicted criminal is to be allowed to leave prison to set up an art exhibition.
Mr Stirling: You said he would be punished.
Mr MANZIE: According to advice from the director of Correctional Services, Heiss has been placed in maximum security and he will remain in maximum security. I can only assume that he is painting in a cell by himself. He is definitely held under maximum security, unlike the sort of programs one would expect from the Labor Party right throughout the country which always has programs to ensure the release of people who are held under maximum security and to deal with them softly. This government will continue to ensure that maximum security means maximum security. I will be very pleased to obtain details about the circumstances under ...
Ms Martin interjecting.
Mr MANZIE: The member for Fannie Bay does not want people to hear me.
Mr SPEAKER: Order!
Ms Martin: I merely asked something.
Mr SPEAKER: Order!
Mr MANZIE: The community may be assured that Mr Heiss will not be attending his own art show. Any suggestion by the member for Fannie Bay that somehow Heiss will be allowed out is absolutely false. It is typical of her because she never sticks to the facts.
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Last updated: 09 Aug 2016