New body to review terrorism and national security laws
by Ernie Davitt, National Affairs Editor, ASM
The Federal Government has set up an independent monitor to oversee Australia’s counter-terrorism and national security laws.
The new agency will carry out ongoing investigations into whether national security laws are effective and accountable, and whether they include appropriate safeguards to protect people’s rights.
The monitor will report its findings to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, as well as the Federal Parliament.
Special Minister of State Senator Joe Ludwig says the monitor will be vital to protecting public confidence in the laws.
“The objective of the bill is to ensure our current laws operate in an effective and accountable manner and are consistent with our international obligations,” he said.
“The monitor must also consider if our counter-terrorism and national security legislation remains necessary and contains appropriate safeguards for protecting individuals’ rights.
“The monitor will review the legislation annually, and report his or her findings to the Prime Minister and the Parliament.
“I would like to thank the members of the Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee for their extensive inquiry into the Bill.”
The latest move follows the release of the Report of the Clarke Inquiry into the Case of Dr Haneef (the Haneef Report) in late 2008.
One of the key recommendations in the Haneef Report was that the Government should consider the appointment of an independent reviewer of Commonwealth counter-terrorism laws.
A bill to set up the National Security Monitor was introduced into Federal Parliament on 24 June 2009 but was referred to the Senate Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee for inquiry.
The legislation was passed by the Senate on 3 February 2010.