On 6 December 2005, Anti-Terrorism Bill (No. 2) 2005 (the Bill) was passed into law by the Federal Parliament, and is now known as the Anti-Terrorism Act (No. 2) 2005.

On 28 November 2005, a Senate Committee inquiring into the Bill recommended to the Senate that the provisions relating to sedition should not get passed in addition to 51 other recommendations. Further amendments were made by the Government to the Bill before it was passed based on the Committee's recommendations, such as the prohibition against hearsay evidence for continued control orders and that parents may discuss the preventative detention amongst each other without attracting a prison sentence.

Still, the passed Bill has undermined the fundamental human rights. The Australian Prime Minister has obtained the cooperation of the states and territories in passing legislation that the Australian Government is constitutionally prohibited from passing: laws that allow for preventative detention without charge for up to 14 days. Only Western Australia, Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory are yet to pass these provisions.

Amnesty International Australia calls for a letter writing campaign to the State Primier and Chief Minister, stating that all anti-terrorism legislation should comply with human rights standards and the rule of law. For more information and the contact details, please click here.

Source:
Amnesty International Australia