Anti-Terrorism Legislation Still a Threat to Aussie Protesters

[Oquist, Ben (Sen B. Brown)]

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Thursday, 20th June 2002

Anti-Terrorism Legislation Still a Threat to Aussie Protesters

Greens to move further amendments

The Government's proposed anti-terrorism legislation still attacks basic
civil liberties, Greens Senator Bob Brown said today.

"The legislation, even with amendments from the Government and ALP, turns
normal legal practice on its head," Senator Brown said.

"Legitimate peaceful protest and dissent is still caught by the proposed
amendments.

"The phrase "threaten the health and safety of the public" is so broad as to
potentially catch many protests and, for example, all forest-based protests.

"The Government and ALP are both continuing to propose to give the Attorney
General the power to ban organisations.  This is unacceptable.  The
Australian people rejected the banning of the Communist Party in the 50's
and the Senate should reject proscription now.

"Criminal activity should be punished, not association or membership.

"Family friends of alleged terrorists overseas, like the family of David
Hicks, could fall foul of the law under the new proposals.

"This legislation is too important to rush through the parliament.  The
community and legal profession needs time to assess the revised package of
bills.

"The Greens will be moving a raft of amendments to the legislation to ensure
peaceful protest is not caught up in the definition of terrorism. We also
will be moving a 5 year sunset clause to the entire package of bills,"
Senator Brown said.

Further information: Ben Oquist 02 6277 3170 or 0419 704 095


Ben Oquist
Australian Greens Senator Bob Brown
02 62773170 ph
02 62773185 fx
www.bobbrown.org.au



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