The so-called "anti-terror" laws modelled on the English legislation after the bombings in London.
The infamous document, in a PDF Download
Download your copy while it's still about
Last month the states agreed to allow extensions of up to 14 days for detentions when a terrorist act is believed imminent. The suspect must then be released if no terrorist act occurs.
Detentions are secret but suspects are allowed to contact a family member or employers to say they are safe but, "not able to be contacted for the time being". If they disclose the detention they can be jailed for up to five years.
Under the bill, the Government can apply to a court for control orders on terrorist suspects who have not been charged. These orders include house arrest, preventing them using the telephone or internet and restricting their social contacts and work opportunities. Suspects can also be fitted with tracking devices.
The suspect's lawyer can be shown the control order but not necessarily the evidence or reasons behind it.
The orders can last up to 12 months and can then be renewed any number of times.
Persons under control orders may be given "counselling or education" if they agree.
The bill does limit to three months control orders on those aged between 16 and 18.
Also contained in the legislation are wide-ranging search powers that will compel the production of any documents relating to "any serious offence", regardless of any laws protecting privacy or legal privilege.,
The new laws are to be debated this month, after the Labor premiers agreed to their broad outline at the recent terrorism summit in Canberra.
The proposed laws have been strongly criticised by human rights lawyers and some Muslim leaders, who have described them as draconian.
The premiers and Mr Howard insist the new laws contain sufficient safeguards to ensure they are not abused.
The infamous document, in a PDF Download
Download your copy while it's still about
Last month the states agreed to allow extensions of up to 14 days for detentions when a terrorist act is believed imminent. The suspect must then be released if no terrorist act occurs.
Detentions are secret but suspects are allowed to contact a family member or employers to say they are safe but, "not able to be contacted for the time being". If they disclose the detention they can be jailed for up to five years.
Under the bill, the Government can apply to a court for control orders on terrorist suspects who have not been charged. These orders include house arrest, preventing them using the telephone or internet and restricting their social contacts and work opportunities. Suspects can also be fitted with tracking devices.
The suspect's lawyer can be shown the control order but not necessarily the evidence or reasons behind it.
The orders can last up to 12 months and can then be renewed any number of times.
Persons under control orders may be given "counselling or education" if they agree.
The bill does limit to three months control orders on those aged between 16 and 18.
Also contained in the legislation are wide-ranging search powers that will compel the production of any documents relating to "any serious offence", regardless of any laws protecting privacy or legal privilege.,
The new laws are to be debated this month, after the Labor premiers agreed to their broad outline at the recent terrorism summit in Canberra.
The proposed laws have been strongly criticised by human rights lawyers and some Muslim leaders, who have described them as draconian.
The premiers and Mr Howard insist the new laws contain sufficient safeguards to ensure they are not abused.
posted by Susanna Duffy @ 8:36 PM
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