Senate terror inquiry falls short

Senate terror inquiry falls short: Greens

28.11.05

The report into the government's Anti-Terrorism (No. 2) Bill 2005 tabled by a Senate committee today has strongly criticised but failed to oppose the bill, Australian Greens Senators Nettle and Brown said today.

Greens Senators Bob Brown and Kerry Nettle who were part of the Legal and Constitutional Committee inquiry have tabled a minority report saying that the bill should be rejected.

"The evidence to the inquiry with the exception of the government, the police and ASIO was critical of the bill. This is reflected in the report but not in the final recommendation of the Senate Committee," Senator Nettle said.

"It is good to see the suggestion that sedition should go but what about detention without charge or trial?" Senator Brown asked.

"There is no way the suggested safeguards can make this bill safe. Innocent people will be locked up in some cases for 12 months." Senator Nettle said.

"The evidence to the inquiry showed there was no need for these new powers. It is a shame Liberal and Labor Senators have toed the party line", Senator Brown concluded.

"The Greens will move to amend the bill to require conformity with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights," Senator Brown said.

ENDS

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