14 May 2013
The Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus QC today tabled two important and detailed reviews of counter-terrorism and national security laws – the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Review of Counter-Terrorism Laws and the second annual report of the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor.
“These reviews are part of the Gillard Government’s commitment to protecting Australians, and ensuring national security and counter-terrorism laws are administered in a fair and balanced way,” Mr Dreyfus said.
The COAG Committee examined and made recommendations about the counter-terrorism laws enacted in the Commonwealth and the States and Territories following the 2005 London bombings.
The Independent National Security Legislation Monitor made separate recommendations about Commonwealth national security legislation, including the definition of a ‘terrorist act’, control orders, the preventative detention regime, and ASIO’s powers.
There is some overlap of the provisions that the Monitor and the COAG Review Committee reviewed.
The Government will respond to the reports following consultation with the States and Territories.
“There is no greater responsibility for a Government than protecting its national security. The Gillard Government takes National Security matters extremely seriously,” Mr Dreyfus said.
“Under Australia’s counter-terrorism framework four major terrorist attacks on Australian soil have been disrupted.
“In light of the recent terror attack in Boston, it is clear that it is as important now as it ever was to maintain strong capabilities in the fight against terrorism. Our counter-terrorism framework has held us in good stead so far, but we must remain vigilant.”
The Gillard Government created the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor to review Australia’s national security laws and counter-terrorism laws on an ongoing basis and determine whether they remain necessary, effective, proportionate and consistent with our international human rights obligations.
Both Reviews will be available online later this afternoon.
- COAG Review of Counter-Terrorism Laws
- Second annual report of the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor
