[Greens-Media] Government must show cards on anti-terrorism review

[Simms, Robert (Sen S. Ludlam)]

Government must show cards on anti-terrorism review

The Australian Greens are calling on the Federal government to commit to
an independent review into Howard's heavy-handed anti-terrorism laws,
following the Australian Federal Police's (AFP) decision to discontinue
David Hicks' control order, and the release of the Haneef Inquiry report
today. 

"Now that the AFP has decided to stop their heavy-handed treatment of
David Hicks and John Clarke QC has concluded his review of the Haneef
case, the ball is squarely in the government's court. Every Australian
needs to be assured that their civil liberties will be restored - it's
an issue for us all," said the Greens Attorney General Spokesperson,
Senator Scott Ludlam.

 "The Hicks and Haneef cases are just two examples of some of the more
draconian and extreme aspects of Howard's anti-terrorism legislation at
work. The government must tell the public whether it will support an
independent review into the anti-terror laws in the Lower House, so that
further abuses of civil liberties can be prevented."

"The public has a right to feel assured that the laws passed in their
name reflect the values of our democratic culture. By supporting an
independent review, the government can move some way towards providing
that assurance." 

Last week the Greens supported a Bill initiated by Liberal backbencher
Petro Georgio to review the forty pieces of anti-terrorism legislation
passed by the Howard government after the September 11 attacks. The
government voted against the measure in the Senate and it may come
before the House of Representatives in the next few weeks. 

Senator Ludlam has moved a number of amendments to expand the review to
examine the way the laws are applied by law enforcement agencies.

For more information or media enquiries please call Robert Simms on 0417
174 302

Robert Simms
Media Adviser to
Senator Scott Ludlam
Australian Greens Senator for Western Australia

Sitting weeks: Tel: 02 6277 3467 | Fax: 02 6277 5821 
S1.36, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600

Non-Sitting weeks: Tel: 02 6277 3566 | Fax: 02 6277 3185
SG111, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600

Mobile: 0417 174 302  

www.scottludlam.org.au <http://www.scottludlam.org.au/>