Media Release
Sunday, May 19, 2002
Vic ALP oppose terror laws
The Victorian ALP joined the growing chorus of opposition to the government'
s terror laws today.
An urgency resolution calling on the Federal ALP to oppose the laws was
endorsed by the annual Victorian State Conference of the Australian Labor
Party, held in Melbourne this weekend.
The strongly worded motion, which goes further than the Federal ALP
position, will add weight to the growing campaign against the laws.
The government's plan to introduce the laws during the Budget sitting of
Parliament were stymied last week with a back bench revolt and strong
opposition from the ALP, Democrats, Greens and community organisations.
For more information and comment:
Damien Lawson 0418 140 387
The following resolution was passed :
VIC ALP STATE CONFERENCE Urgency Resolution - Terrorism Laws
Conference affirms the right of all people to live without threat or fear of
violent terrorist attack.
Conference notes with concern the Howard Government's proposed
anti-terrorism legislation currently before the Senate.
The proposed bills rather than defending democracy undermine fundamental
rights to freedom of association and expression and the principles of the
criminal law.
Conference supports the following principles:
1. New offences of terrorism threaten to criminalise some union activity and
community protest labeling participants as terrorists, with penalties of
life imprisonment.
2. The power to ban organisations, whether by Government or a court, is a
threat to democracy and should not be supported in any form.
3. No one should be arrested and held in custody without being reasonably
suspected of committing a crime. The proposed powers would enable ASIO to
detain not just suspects but people alleged to have "information regarding
terrorism". Journalists, lawyers, family and friends of people that ASIO
claims are terrorists could all be detained.
People would be held initially for 48 hours and potentially indefinitely.
People held would not have a right to a lawyer and contact with family and
friends. The right to silence and protection against self-incrimination
would be removed.
Proposed new powers for ASIO should not be supported.
4. Individuals and organisations should not be able to have their assets
frozen without due process and a right to natural justice.
5. Private financial information should not be provided to foreign law
enforcement agencies without ASIO or the AFP having to obtain authorisation
from a court.
6. Email, SMS messages and other electronic communications should not be
accessed by law enforcement without a warrant issued pursuant to the
Telecommunications (Interception) Act 1979
7. Conference calls on Federal ALP members of Parliament to oppose the
following bills:
1. Security Legislation Amendment (Terrorism) Bill 2002
2. Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism Bill 2002
3. Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Legislation Amendment
(Terrorism) Bill 2002
Moved: Michele O'Neil
Seconded: Trevor Dobbin
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