Australia is becoming an autocratic governmentunder the guise of increased security precautions because of the War on Terror.
Examine the legislation and practice set out below:
State of Secrecy
■ ASIO is allowed to hold people in secret for up to seven days. ASIO Act amendments 2004
■ ASIO is allowed to hold people in secret for up to seven days. ASIO Act amendments 2004
■ Those questioned by ASIO may not reveal the fact for 28 days. ASIO Act amendments 2004
■ The subject of ASIO interrogations must remain secret for 2 years. ASIO Act amendments 2004
■ Lawyers can be required to obtain security clearances before representing clients. National Security Information Act 2004
■ Courts may hear secret evidence in the absence of jurors and lawyers for the defendant. National Security Information Act 2004
■ The Attorney-General does not permit the release of reasons for ASIO security assessments. Government practice
Only applied to Islamic terrorists? Not so. Scott Parkin, a non-violent US dissident, faced the force of autocratic government and was deported. For comment on these concerning developments, see here. In what manner will these laws and practices be turned on Australian citizens?
