Terror "suspects" to be fitted with "tracking devices"

The Australian
Sep. 09, 2005

TERROR suspects could be fitted with tracking devices and anyone who preaches violence could be thrown in jail under tough anti-terror laws unveiled by the Howard Government yesterday.

The laws, which need the support of the states, will also mean more security cameras on Australia's transport networks.

And any traveller who leaves a bag unattended at an airport could find themselves fined or even jailed if the offence is considered malicious.

The laws, which come in the wake of the London Tube bombings in July, were presented to state premiers yesterday. Their support is critical to introducing uniform national laws.

The Labor premiers, who called for a terrorism summit following the London attacks, gave in-principle backing to the changes, but stopped short of endorsement.

The wide-ranging crackdown angered some Coalition MPs, after John Howard hurriedly brought forward the changes.

He was confronted by three Liberal colleagues, including key Peter Costello backer senator George Brandis, as the Government yesterday hurriedly sought partyroom approval for the measures.

Muslim leaders also rejected the reforms, suggesting they could increase the security threat in Australia.

"If you equate security with law enforcement you are shutting your eyes to a significant piece of the puzzle, which leaves us vulnerable and exposed," Islamic Council of Victoria board member Waleed Aly said.

Law Council of Australia national president John North said the community should worry about "thought police" monitoring their every word.

"The idea of control orders, prevention detention and the increase in ASIO powers is simply unAustralian," he said.

Under the counter-terrorism strategy, enforcement agencies would be given greater powers to track suspected terrorists.

Federal police would also be able to seek a 12-month control order from the courts, to be used against anyone who posed a threat.

These would be similar to apprehended violence orders, but would allow stricter conditions to be imposed on an individual, such as the use of tracking devices and travel restrictions.

Mr Howard denied the Government was stripping away people's freedoms or preventing legitimate political comment.

"People will still be able to attack the Government for having sent troops to Iraq or Afghanistan ... but there is a difference between saying the troops should come home and actually encouraging people to attack them."

He also denied the Government had rushed the release of the package to divert attention from its row with Telstra.

Mr Howard said the proposed changes were designed to enable Australia to better "deter, prevent, detect and prosecute acts of terrorism".

The Opposition said it supported measures to bolster the counter-terrorism effort but would await detailed legislation before commenting.

However, new laws penalising people who incite violence or terrorist acts will be contentious.

The laws impose a jail term of up to seven years on anyone found guilty of encouraging another person to commit violence against the community, against Australia's forces overseas or in support of Australia's enemies.

They replace the crime of sedition, which covered inciting rebellion against the Government and attracted a maximum penalty of three years.

Premiers will discuss the measures when they meet Mr Howard at the next Council of Australian Governments summit on September 27.

Mr Howard said he expected "a lot of co-operation".

Australian National University terrorism expert Clive Williams said the measures brought Australia into line with Britain, but stopped well short of matching the powers prescribed in the US Patriot Act, which include the right to access bank account details and even information about books borrowed from public libraries

Copyright 2005 News Limited.