27 September 2005
A group of experts on anti-terrorism laws, including Mr Patrick Emerton from Monash University, has called on the Commonwealth Government to withdraw its proposed legislation immediately, claiming it could lead to the targeting of Muslims.
The group, which includes community lawyers, policy workers, advocates and legal academics, has outlined its concerns in a report titled Laws for Insecurity? A Report on the Federal Government's Proposed Terrorism Laws.
Mr Emerton, an assistant lecturer in the Faculty of Law, said the proposals did not contain adequate detail on the limitations of their scope, the circumstances in which they could be used and who could exercise them.
"It is clear, however, that the proposals place serious limitations on existing rights and freedoms that underpin Australian democracy," Mr Emerton said.
"This includes things like the presumption of innocence, the right to privacy, the right to be considered equal before the law, and the right to freedom of political and religious association and belief.
"The Commonwealth government has also failed to provide a proper justification of why the proposed changes are necessary.
"Specifically, it has not explained how these measures more effectively deal with the threat of ideologically or religiously motivated violence or why current anti-terrorism laws are insufficient."
Mr Emerton said the report raised concerns about the lack of legal safeguards on the proposed measures.
"In particular we are concerned that certain individuals and communities, chiefly Muslim and Arab communities, could be targeted," he said.
The report was sent last week to State and Territory leaders and Attorneys-General, with a cover letter requesting a meeting to discuss the issues.
For further information contact Mr Emerton on +61 3 9905 3314 or Ms Natasha Whalley, Media Communications on +61 3 9905 9201 or 0437 458 457.
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