Comment welcome on terrorism law changes

NAOMI LEVIN

AUSTRALIA’S Attorney-General Robert McClelland said proposed reforms to counter-terrorism laws would be tougher in some cases and more moderate in others.

McClelland released a discussion paper on Australia’s national security legislation last week.

The paper’s recommendations included expanding the definition of a terrorist act to include psychological harm, which would make a terrorist hoax a criminal act. The paper also recommends making it an offence to incite violence against a person based on their race, religion, national origin, nationality or political opinion; and proscribing terrorist organisations for three years, rather than two.

“The Government has endeavoured to address the concerns and issues raised by recent important reviews of national security and counter-terrorism legislation with a view to achieving the right balance between strong laws that protect our safety while preserving the democratic rights that protect our freedoms,” McClelland said.

The recommended changes, he said, emanated from various reviews and inquiries, including one into the handling of the investigation into Dr Mohamed Haneef.

Australia’s Jewish community is constantly on alert for potential terrorist attacks. While there have been few, if any, specific threats against the local Jewish community there are adequate protections, via community security groups, local police and government agencies, to deter would-be terrorists.

McClelland has invited the community to comment on the discussion paper via submissions to the Attorney-General’s Department.

The full national security legislation discussion paper is available via www.ag.gov.au.