“The issue of David Hicks is the time spent bringing accusations to a conclusion by fair trial. The delay means we are starting from a premise of guilt, as he is incarcerated without a proven crime, and having to prove innocence rather than the Australian process of innocence and proving guilt.” Senator Joyce said.

“I do not know whether he is guilty or innocent and the point is neither does anyone else really. All we have are untried accusations and we can lay them at the feet of anyone if they do not have to stand trial. This is very dangerous.

“I would have preferred the letter, to ask for Mr Hicks’ case to be fairly expedited, to have come from an independent third party rather than from another political party but the issue addressed is right so it should be pursued to bring Mr Hicks to a fair trial and not stymied by parochialism.

“I hope the general sentiment is recognised that it is the process of a fair trial in reasonable time. This is what we all rely on and when we make exceptions for one then we endanger all” Senator Joyce said.