Monday, November 01, 2010

Your Rights on Trial

Ark's journey:

May 2008 – Ark Tribe was working on the Flinders University site in Adelaide. Conditions were so bad that workers drew up a petition calling for safety improvements, on a hand towel.

It took an intervention by the union and the state government safety regulator to get the most pressing problems fixed and finally, after several days, things began to get back on track.

The Summons – No letter, no text, no visit. Ark is called to a compulsory secret interrogation by the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABBC).

9 June 2009 – Ark's first appearance at the Elizabeth Street magistrate’s court in Adelaide, charged with not attending an interview with the ABCC. Ark walks through a union guard of honour as he enters the court.

11 August 2009 – Ark's second appearance at the Elizabeth Street magistrate’s court in Adelaide.

30 October 2009 – Ark's third appearance, this time at Adelaide Magistrates Court in the centre of Adelaide. The prosecution delay the case until 18th December because they are not ready.

18 December 2009 – Ark's pre-trial hearing to find out when he will face trial in 2010.

15,16, 18th June 2010 – Ark in court for three days of hearings.

20, 21, 22 July 2010 – Ark in court, the trial moves to written submissions.

13 September 2010 – Ark's final hearing.

Tuesday 3 November 2010, 9:30 am – Ark's hearing postponed.

Tuesday 24 November 2010, 9:30 am – Ark's Verdict.

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