See Saturday 'AM' for final wash up on ASIO legislation
http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2003/s1004807.htm
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Friday 5th December 2003
ALP Joins Government to Put ASIO Above Public Interest
The ALP and Government combined in the last hours of parliamentary
sitting for the year to ram through legislation to put ASIO above the
public interest. It has been given secret police powers, Greens Senator
Bob Brown said today.
"The legislation will make it an offence to discuss ASIO's questioning
of people, whether they are innocent or not, for two years after the
interrogation occurs.
"Even media discussions of the questioning of associates in the Brigitte
case are now outlawed. Repeating previous revelations that are on the
public record could land a person in jail for 5 years.
"Politicians, lawyers, academics all face jail just for revealing that
ASIO has issued a warrant.
"If ASIO engages in human rights abuses or unlawful conduct journalists
will not be allowed to report on it for at least two years.
"The ALP and Government rejected Greens amendments that would have
inserted a public interest test and protected journalists who disclosed
information which did not threaten national security.
"The ALP's argument that the legislation is technical is fatuous.
"Media organisations from Fairfax to News Ltd to the ABC and SBS have
all rung alarm bells about the legislation. They, along with Amnesty
International, Liberty Victoria, other civil liberties organisations and
academics, have called for the legislation to be amended and referred to
a Senate committee.
"But Latham Labor has joined John Howard in this remarkable assault on
fundamental rights," Senator Brown said.
Further information: Ben Oquist 02 6277 3170 or 0419 704 095
.
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