Fed: ASIO bill makes Aust a police state, says barrister
Constitutional law expert GEORGE WILLIAMS says a bill giving spy agency ASIO anti-terrorismpowers will create a police state.
He's told a Labor caucus committee the bill fails to balance national security againstdemocratic freedoms.
Dr WILLIAMS -- a university lecturer and barrister -- says the ASIO bill would conferunprecedented new powers that could be used against the Australian people by an unscrupulousgovernment.
The bill would allow ASIO to hold adults and children incommunicado for two-day periodsthat could be extended indefinitely -- even though they may not be suspected of any crimesbut may just have useful information.
A parliamentary committee has unanimously found the bill erodes civil liberties andhas made 15 recommendations for amendments.
But Dr WILLIAMS says the bill should be rejected outright.
AAP RTV fh/daw/wjf/jtb
KEYWORD: TERROR ASIO (CANBERRA)
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