National Security Legislation Amendment Bill Passed

The National Security Legislation Amendment Bill 2010 which is aimed at increasing the powers to fight against terrorism passed through Federal Parliament earlier this week.

The Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, commented that:

“The National Security Legislation Amendment Bill 2010 seeks to achieve an appropriate balance between the Government’s responsibility to protect Australia, its people and its interests and instilling confidence that our national security and counter-terrorism laws will be exercised in a just and accountable way ....” 

Some key aspects of the bill are:

• new powers for police to enter a premises without a warrant in emergency circumstances relating to a terrorism offence where there is material that may pose a risk to the health or safety of the public

• extending the time available for police to re-enter a premises under a search warrant from one hour to 12 hours in emergency circumstances

• establishing a maximum seven day limit on the detention period that may be disregarded when a person has been arrested for a terrorism offence

Read more about the legislation.

Do you think the legislation reflects a good balance between protection and the maintenance of civil liberties?

To keep up to date with the latest Australian legislation and case developments try our Case Law,  LawTracker and LawOne services.