So, no more talk about wonderful wildlife, as now at conference. Last night I went on a tour of Brisbane, which was just me and a young German girl. Our guide was more interesting than the Brisbane facts, as he was an ex kids social worker from Samoa, who did Polynesian hip hop dance, taught English to foreign students and played the ukulele. So we ended up driving around Brisbane discussing social policy, music and migration.
Today's conference has been good, with a mixture of women telling their stories - hankies at the ready - and key note speakers discussing penal reform - or penile reform as my Mum brilliantly said when telling her friends what area I now work in! Rather apt regarding the sex work.
Angela Davis was inspiring and she graciously signed Den's book - evidence above. I have invited myself along to the bar with her and the other speakers later this evening, so will network to the max and go for multiple photo opportunities like a sad Heat magazine 'C' lister. I spoke in a couple of sessions and now have a collection of cards to link up with various groups and individuals in the future. Apparently the organisers tried to get a speaker from penal reform groups in UK, but no-one came, so going to the bar with a big arrow stuck on my head stating ''Ask me in 2010''. I have no shame!
The racism against the indigenous population here is phenomenal and the removal of kids still continues. Lots going on around care home abuse 'apologies' and also the migrant removals from UK families post war, which I knew little about. It was mentioned as their is an over representation of this group in the CJS. But surprise surprise, those who have since received compensation, have it taken away when they enter prison and it goes into the justice accounts system, never to be seen again.
We appear to be worryingly progressive in our treatment of female offenders in UK compared to here, though only marginally.
So, got to rejig presentation for tomorrow, then off to bar with Ang, my mate.
So, no more talk about wonderful wildlife, as now at conference. Last night I went on a tour of Brisbane, which was just me and a young German girl. Our guide was more interesting than the Brisbane facts, as he was an ex kids social worker from Samoa, who did Polynesian hip hop dance, taught English to foreign students and played the ukulele. So we ended up driving around Brisbane discussing social policy, music and migration.
Today's conference has been good, with a mixture of women telling their stories - hankies at the ready - and key note speakers discussing penal reform - or penile reform as my Mum brilliantly said when telling her friends what area I now work in! Rather apt regarding the sex work.
Angela Davis was inspiring and she graciously signed Den's book - evidence above. I have invited myself along to the bar with her and the other speakers later this evening, so will network to the max and go for multiple photo opportunities like a sad Heat magazine 'C' lister. I spoke in a couple of sessions and now have a collection of cards to link up with various groups and individuals in the future. Apparently the organisers tried to get a speaker from penal reform groups in UK, but no-one came, so going to the bar with a big arrow stuck on my head stating ''Ask me in 2010''. I have no shame!
The racism against the indigenous population here is phenomenal and the removal of kids still continues. Lots going on around care home abuse 'apologies' and also the migrant removals from UK families post war, which I knew little about. It was mentioned as their is an over representation of this group in the CJS. But surprise surprise, those who have since received compensation, have it taken away when they enter prison and it goes into the justice accounts system, never to be seen again.
We appear to be worryingly progressive in our treatment of female offenders in UK compared to here, though only marginally.
So, got to rejig presentation for tomorrow, then off to bar with Ang, my mate.
Well done Lou. What is penile reform amyway?
ReplyDeleteBest of luck for the rest of the gig. Are you a celebrity now? I bet if you wrote a paper on penile reform you would hit the headlines.
Sounds like it is a trip that could change your life. I'll bet your confidence is sky high, and rightly so.
Just as a soberinig thought from those you left back home, we went out for a pint with Den on Monday evening. Out of 4 pubs in the vicinity (Victoria Street) only one was open and until we walked in Den was the only customer. It was just the three of us until two trainspotters brightened up the evening.
Enjoy the rest of your trip. Back to school for me tomorrow.
Love Phil