Judge bans campaign against child abuse in Wangaratta

9-3-2009 Australia:

A JUDGE has banned a campaign against child abuse in a country town under an unprecedented court order.

Police have removed flyers promoting White Balloon Day from the windows of pubs, shops, offices and cafes in Wangaratta.

The campaign was shut down under an order by County Court judge Michael McInerney to remove potential jury bias in the trial of a man facing sex charges.

Handed down on Tuesday, the extraordinary order prohibits "from this day forward" the display or distribution of White Balloon Day flyers, as well as displaying white balloons in support of the cause.

The period includes national White Balloon Day next Tuesday, part of Child Protection Week to be launched by Family and Community Services Minister Jenny Macklin.

White Balloon Day, organised by child protection advocacy group Bravehearts, has run for 13 years.

The campaign won a state award in 2005, presented by then police minister Tim Holding, for drawing attention to child abuse.

Bravehearts founder Hetty Johnston said the ban was made with the best intentions.

"However, we are disappointed by the judge's decision as it means this local community is unable to participate in peaceful White Balloon Day activities like the rest of Australia," she said.

"Our activities on White Balloon Day are largely focused on people wearing white, and purchasing a white balloon or some of our other merchandise to raise funds for the cause. We are not vigilantes."

A business owner whose flyers were taken down by police said townsfolk were "gobsmacked".

"They (police) showed us the form, and then they just went and took down the signs. I think people are pretty dismayed."

Victims of crime advocate Noel McNamara said he was disgusted and will write to the Attorney-General opposing the injunction. ..Source.. by Emily Power