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Letter Writing Guides

GUIDELINES

Content

* Begin by introducing the topic, which is Schapelle Corby, an Australian in jail in Indonesia

* Explain how you came to be aware of the situation and the reason for your writing, which is her deteriorating health. Even though the government does know about this, don’t assume they know your position on   the matter.

* Write about what you know. Don’t try to be overly clever or raise issues you don’t properly understand.

* Express genuinely how knowledge of her situation makes you fee and the concerns you have and the seriousness of the situation. Be heartfelt, be passionate, but don’t be aggressive or rude.

* You might like to include any personal experience you have had with mental illness. 

* Please do not use the words ‘clinically insane’. This is not an accepted psychiatric terminology and was not used by Dr Phillips, but extrapolated by the media. It is preferable to speak of the specific aspects he described: hallucinations, delusions, a thought disorder, a catatonic state, psychosis.

* One of the main issues is that Schapelle will not get better in Kerobokan. She is deteriorating in that environment and it is contributing to her mental health in a bad way. According to Dr Phillips, moving someone out of the destructive environment is a significant aspect of the treatment.

* Another issue is that Kerobokan is quite an insecure environment. There are all manner of prisoners there and Schapelle is very vulnerable and could be taken advantage of.

* Other prisoners have been given the responsibility of looking after her needs and her medication, which is not particularly good. Someone in her situation needs proper medical care.

*Where Schapelle has been treated in a medical facility, this has only been temporary before she has been returned to prison. Further, despite the fact that she has been noted as having psychiatric problems for a year now, she continues to deteriorate. It is possible to express concern that the Indonesians are not properly equipped to give her the treatment she needs. However, be polite about this – don’t use it as an opportunity to attack them. It is simply to add weight to the argument that she would be better off in Australia where proper treatment is available.

* The international community recognizes that those with mental illness should not remain in prison but be treated in a proper medical facility. This is endorsed by the UN. This is NOT a legal argument, but can be used in the context of Australia setting an example in this regard.

* According to Dr Phillips, ongoing support from family and friends is crucial to a good recovery, as is familiarity with the environment. Schapelle is largely isolated from family and friends and doesn’t speak the language or understand the culture.

* You can include comments about Australia’s medical facilities and use this to note that Schapelle, as an Australian citizen, should get the same treatment and support. Once again, be polite about this. You are asking for her to be repatriated to Australia and looking for reasons to support that.


* You can include comments about mental health in Australia generally.

* The message to get across is simply that Schapelle should be repatriated to a medical facility in Australia. Don’t get into discussions about sentence equivalency or clemency as this is not relevant to the circumstances, which are humanitarian.

* Ensure you thank the government for their time.

* There is no need to ask for a response on any particular issue because the purpose is to demonstrate support. 


Style

* DO be heartfelt, honest, passionate, respectful and polite. DON’T be rude, aggressive, hostile or demanding or attribute blame. 

* The fact that a credible psychiatrist has reported to the government provides the foundation for their actions in this matter. Our job as supporters is simply to express public sentiment. There is no need to be forceful or frustrated or argumentative.

* Ensure you use correct spelling, grammar and structure.

* Ensure you address the individual to whom you are writing correctly. Details on how to address Australian Parliamentarians can be found here: http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/TUTORIAL/address.htm

* Letters should fit on one page including proper contact details. If you want to make them longish, adjust the margins.

* Don’t ramble. Express your point clearly and concisely.

* Include your full name and address details.


Approach

* Always assume that the person to whom you are writing is open to reason and discussion

* Don’t heap criticism on the government to whom you are writing; this only gets them off side.

* Ensure you send letters to the appropriate person in the appropriate context. Don’t go writing letters to every single Parliamentarian you can think of – restrict communication to your local member and others in their capacity as Ministers.

* Don’t be a nuisance with letters every day and follow up calls to match. One letter per person on each issue is the most you should be sending.

* Numbers and a consistent message are important so ensure you keep your letter contained to the issue at hand and have an obvious message and refrain from getting complicated. 

* Do not argue the case; your letter is about support for the issue in question

* Do not go out of your way to ask a question or ask rhetorical questions. Only ask questions if those are specifically relevant.

As Schapelle has now been assessed by a psychiatrist and his assessment has been placed to some extent in the public domain, the letter writing can focus on more specific issues.
Schapelle is devastatingly ill, likely to get worse to the point of suicide, and therefore urgently needs repatriation to a facility in Australia where she can receive proper care and support.
It is preferable that the letters are personalized from each individual.
Letters should preferably be sent by snail mail, but can also be emailed to someone
who will send them to the Prime Minister.