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The People's Justice Alliance (PJA) evolved out of the Save Fairlea Women's Prison Coalition. The Save Fairlea Women's Prison Coalition was formed in April 1993 to oppose the Victorian Coalition State Government plan to transfer all women and their children from Fairlea to Jika Jika, the sensory deprivation unit located within Pentridge men's prison. Jika Jika has a history of human rights violations and massive brutality. In 1987 five prisoners died in Jika Jika whilst protesting against the inhumane conditions.
After an extensive community campaign the Save Fairlea Women's Prison Coalition celebrated a victory (the first victory against the Kennett led government) when the government backed down and said they would not move women from Fairlea Women's Prison in the short term. At the same time, came the governments announcement that there were to be three private prisons, which would be privately constructed, owned and managed.
PJA is an alliance of groups and individuals who are opposed to the privatisation of the criminal justice system, specifically prisons. In addition PJA is concerned with struggles to ensure the rights of people within the criminal justice system. At the same time PJA is working for the implementation of humane alternatives to prisons. Prisons are soul destroying places. Women and children in the criminal justice system are particularly disadvantaged by the eagerness to use prisons before exploring other options.
PJA produces a quarterly newsletter which is posted free of charge to anyone interested and concerned about the privatisation of prisons and issues affecting women in prison. To be included on the mailing list, write to : PJA, P. O. Box 1567, Collingwood. Victoria. 3066 or email pjan@vicnet.net.au
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