Anti-Terrorism Legislation on Ice as Government Fears Backlash

[Oquist, Ben (Sen B. Brown)]

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Monday, 25 February 2002


Anti-Terrorism Legislation on Ice as Government Fears Backlash


The Government has put its controversial anti-terrorism legislation on ice,
Greens Senator Bob Brown said today.

"The Government had indicated the legislation would be introduced during the
first sitting fortnight of the year.  However as of the close of parliament
last week no bills have been forthcoming from a Government now wary of a
public that is increasingly wary of it," Senator Brown said.

"The revelations that the Government lied to the public over the children
overboard affair and used intelligence agencies to spy on Australians during
the 'Tampa crisis' have created a wave of scepticism about the Government's
handling of military and intelligence matters.

"In this climate the Government is suddenly nervous about bringing to bring
on for debate its draconian anti-terrorism legislation.

"The proposed laws would allow ordinary Australians to be detained for up to
48 hours, without charge and without access to a lawyer.

"Those detained would not even need to be suspected of terrorism.  They may
simply be people that ASIO believes have information that would help them
with their inquiries.  This could include journalists, lawyers, and
politicians.

"Separate to curtail whistleblowers has also not been reintroduced.

"Both sets of laws are an affront to an open and democratic society. I will
be moving that the legislation be the subject of a full Senate inquiry. I
predict it will be fiercely unpopular amongst the Australian community,"
Senator Brown said.

Further information: Ben Oquist 02 62773170 or 0419704095


Ben Oquist
Greens Senator Bob Brown
02 62773170 ph
02 62773185 fx
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