National security legislation - Public consultation

On 12 August 2009, the Attorney-General, the Hon Robert McClelland MP, released a Discussion Paper on proposed legislative reforms to Australia’s counter-terrorism and national security legislation:

The Discussion Paper contains proposed amendments which implement the Government’s comprehensive response to the following reviews of Australia’s counter-terrorism and national security legislation:

Inquiry by the Hon John Clarke QC into the case of Dr Mohamed Haneef (November 2008);
Inquiry into the proscription of ‘terrorist organisations’ under the Australian Criminal Code by the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (September 2007);
Review of Security and Counter-Terrorism Legislation by the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (December 2006); and
Review of Sedition Laws in Australia by the Australian Law Reform Commission (July 2006).

The Discussion Paper provides the community with the opportunity to participate in the legislative process in relation to national security matters.

Providing a submission to the Government

Public comment is welcome on the proposed amendments outlined in the Discussion Paper.

If you would like to make a submission, please forward your submission no later than Friday 25 September 2009 to:

Discussion Paper – National Security Legislation
Assistant Secretary
Security Law Branch
Attorney-General’s Department
3-5 National Circuit
BARTON ACT 2600

Submissions may also be submitted electronically to CTconsultation@ag.gov.au or by facsimile to (02) 6141 3048.

All submissions and the names of persons or organisations who make a submission will be treated as public, and may be published on the Department’s website, unless the author clearly indicates to the contrary. A request made under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 for access to a submission marked confidential will be determined in accordance with that Act.

To view public submissions, please see the Submissions to the National Security Legislation Public Consultation page on our website.