Should ASIO be Trusted with even More Power?
The ASIO officer drew a ‘Y’ in the sand with a stick. He looked across at the 21-year-old university student and pointed to the intersection of the Y. He said: “We’ve got two choices. We can go down the difficult...
Torture is to be ruled out under Proposed Terrorism Laws
We recently published a blog looking at some of the implications of the National Security Legislation Amendment Bill. This Bill exempted ASIO officials from criminal charges and civil liability in some circumstances – ones that could include the use of...
Proposed Law could allow ASIO to use Torture when Investigating Terrorism
On September 18, ASIO conducted what has been called the largest anti-terrorism raids in our history. Over 800 specially trained officers conducted raids on 25 houses across Brisbane and Sydney. Two people were arrested, and one charged. While the threat...
Do we have Adequate Safeguards against False Imprisonment in NSW?
Back in 2009, one lawyer managed to score a satisfying victory in court after police officers falsely arrested her. 57-year-old Andrea Turner was on a train and on her way to a bush walk. A police officer doing a routine...
Proposed Anti-Terrorism Laws Causing Concern
There is growing speculation that Prime Minister Tony Abbott is considering new anti-terrorism measures to apply to those returning to Australia after spending time in Iraq or Syria. This is due to the risk of Australians returning home after fighting...
What are Unlawful Deportations as a War Crime?
There are a number of criminal activities and offences which are recognised internationally as well as in Australia. Many of these are crimes under both Commonwealth law and international laws due to their severity, or through international agreements that different...
Increased Powers for ASIO to Allow Access to Third Party Computers
Proposed changes to the law will potentially give the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) increased powers to monitor and detain alleged terrorists fighting in the Middle East as well as increased powers of cyber surveillance and disruption. These changes are...
Terrorism and the Right to a Fair Trial
Earlier this year, Attorney-General George Brandis has been urged to consider new terrorism legislation. Since 2001, Parliament has seen the introduction of over 50 pieces of legislation relating to terrorism. But many of the new laws have run contrary to...
