[Greens-Media] New terror laws monitor needs greater powers to cope with Abbott agenda

[Forsyth, Danielle (Sen P. Wright)]

Senator Penny Wright
MEDIA RELEASE
8 December 2014

New terror laws monitor needs greater powers to cope with Abbott agenda

The Australian Greens have called on the government to increase the powers of the newly appointed Independent National Security Legislation Monitor.

Australian Greens spokesperson for legal affairs Senator Penny Wright said the Monitor needed greater funding and scrutiny powers to oversee the Abbott Government's massively expanded national security framework.

"The announcement of the new Monitor is long overdue and very welcome - but we now need to boost the position's powers to make sure it's more than a toothless tiger," Senator Wright said.

"We need to make sure this independent, expert advice about Australia's counter-terrorism is not ignored. My new Bill will guarantee the Government must respond to the Monitor's recommendations."

Senator Wright last week introduced a new Bill which will also give the Monitor power to review proposed and existing legislation and consider whether the laws are proportionate to the national security threat.

"The Abbott Government's draconian national security laws affect how all Australians and undermine the rights and freedoms that sustain our democracy - and that it is why it's crucial we have an effective and well-resourced Independent Monitor."

Media contact: Danielle Forsyth - 0417 173 508