Mental health consumers have drawn a line in the sand after recent government attacks on their quality of life. Patients under state control have had their social interaction reduced, and right to smoke removed. These vulnerable and isolated citizens, to whom the state owes a special obligation, are extremely distressed and have asked for community assistance.

Mental health service providers, nurses and psychiatrists across Australia have joined the defence of these most vulnerable citizens.

Changing the culture of criminal justice

Justice Action sees restorative justice and mentoring as the way forward with social problems. Both are rational extensions of community support which satisfy the needs of victims and make us all safer. But the prison industrial complex is fighting tooth and nail to keep its hostages, and us all afraid. New 4th Edn Handbook (pdf 1.4mb)

Details of some current and past campaigns

Below is a list of some leading current campaigns and underneath is a history of past campaign work.

Smoking rights for Mental Health Consumers and Prisoners
The NSW Department of Health has set up a taskforce with a view to ‘the implementation of NSW smoke free policies in NSW mental health inpatient facilities’. Several mental health professionals and advocacy groups have contacted JA to seek our assistance in opposing this proposal. Smoking submission (pdf 188k)

JUST US goes to one in every two prisoners in Australia and New Zealand; also to every judge from the High Court to magistrate by name. A copy is also sent to every MP in every Parliament in both countries.

This prisoner initiative was made to governments to help break the cycle of destructive vengeance in our prisons. It was launched on International Human Rights Day 10 December 2005

Prisoners in the dungeons of the HRMU segregation unit Goulburn Prison, Australia prepared the statement that formed this offer. It has been presented to governments without response. It requires them to recognise the humanity of those they torture.