BISHOP Christopher Saunders has attacked Australia’s proposed new anti-terrorism legislation and has accused the Federal Government of trying to rush through the new laws because it is not prepared “for serious and sound debate on the issue”.
The Australian Catholic Social Justice Council (ACSJC) chairman and Bishop of Broome said he recognised the Government’s responsibility to ensure that Australia’s security arrangements were capable of detecting and addressing potential terrorist attacks.
But he urged the Federal Government to allow more time for the scrutiny of its anti-terrorism legislation.
Bishop Saunders said there was “an enormous amount of latent and justified fear” about the laws.
“These laws will erode our rights and privileges,” he said.
“The rush to push the laws through shows the Government is not prepared for a serious and sound debate on the issue.
“The possibility of the deprivation of rights is very real.”
Bishop Saunders said the legislation would be complex and it could have far-reaching consequences for the civil and political rights that all Australians enjoyed.
“To push for the approval of the bill before Christmas will undermine proper parliamentary review and rule out the possibility of adequate public input,” he said.
Bishop Saunders said federal authorities already had extensive powers to counter possible terrorist threats.
He said Australia’s response to world events would not make it a definite target for terrorists, but said Australia might “be a bit higher on their hit list now”.
Bishop Saunders said it was easy for governments to abuse their authority, as had been seen with many illicit incarcerations in detention centres.
“I would hope every serious-minded Australian, whatever philosophy, would continue to oppose the erosion of their civil liberties,” he said.
“The laws are meant to combat terrorism, but they are eroding 200 years of freedom.”
