It is Downer who gives the opinion that Hicks could be home soon, hopefully before the federal election. Maybe Hicks lives in Downer's electorate and he wants his vote???
Personally I think Hicks will be tried and found guilty but probably returned to Australia to serve his sentence.
I have no time for the man but I do believe that no Australian citizen should be imprisoned indefinetly without trial by any foreign government and on that principle this government has failed badly.