Tribunal ‘shielded Importers’ (Press, 3 September 1980)
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Summary: Tribunal ‘shielded Importers’ (Press, 3 September 1980)
On 3 September 1980, anti-pornography activist Miss Patricia Bartlett called for accountability from the Indecent Publications Tribunal regarding its handling of importers' names in their decisions. Bartlett was notably the only importer identified in tribunal decisions concerning five publications that she imported under the pseudonym "J. Smith." While the tribunal made decisions regarding six other publications on the same day, it opted to withhold the names of two commercial importers involved. Bartlett expressed her concern over the lack of transparency, stating that the public deserved to know why the tribunal's actions seemed selective. She asserted that her motives were centred on protecting the public, in stark contrast to the commercial importers' focus on profit. After importing the books, she intended to hand them over to the police. When asked if she anticipated receiving further materials, Bartlett responded with uncertainty but recognised the possibility nonetheless. She characterised the current laws as inadequate for addressing the emerging pornographic trends between Australia and New Zealand. In a decision released on 25 August, she felt that the tribunal inaccurately suggested that her reasons for importing the books were akin to those of regular pornographic importers, which she strongly disputed. Bartlett argued that the tribunal and the Customs Department demonstrated inconsistency and unfairness by only publicising her name. She noted the necessity of using a pseudonym to avoid becoming associated with a pornographic firm's mailings, which often entail the unsolicited distribution of objectionable literature. Her statements reflect a broader concern about the implications of censorship and the need for a consistent application of justice in matters concerning indecent publications.
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