Howard pushes new anti-terror law

BBC
Sep. 08, 2005

Australia's prime minister has outlined proposals for tough new anti-terrorism laws which include tagging suspects and detaining them without charge.

John Howard said he was not creating a police state but said these were "unusual and threatening" times.

The new legislation will be discussed by state government leaders on 27 September, Mr Howard said.

Critics say Mr Howard's support for the US-led war on terror has put Australia at risk of an attack on home soil.

"The measures I have outlined represent a very significant but absolutely necessary strengthening of our counter-terrorism laws," Mr Howard said.

In addition to preventative detention and closer surveillance of suspects, the proposals include extending the number of years citizenship applicants should have been living in Australia from two years to three.

A new offence of inciting violence against the community, or Australian troops abroad, would also be created.

It was unclear when the legislation would be submitted to parliament.

Striking a balance

Mr Howard described the proposed changes as "significant".

"We are very conscious that in all of these things a balance has to be struck between the liberty of the subject and the right of the community to be protected.

"We are, unfortunately, living in an era and time when unusual but necessary measures are needed to cope with an unusual and threatening situation," he said.

The conservative leader has been a staunch supporter of the US-led campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Australia has never suffered a terrorist attack on home soil, but 88 Australians were among the 202 killed people killed in the 2002 bombings in Bali, Indonesia.