Look at anti-terror laws Down Under

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THE suggestion made by Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to create new preventive laws to tackle terror threats is highly appreciated.

The government can look at security legislation in Australia to draft new security laws. Australia has long played a pivotal role by creating legislation on counter-terrorism, national security and other cross-jurisdictional offences.

The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979 sets out the functions of the Australia Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), Australia's security service. This law empowers ASIO to obtain warrants for surveillance and to detain and question a person who may have information important to the gathering of intelligence in relation to a terrorist activity.

The Crimes Act 1914 deals with crime, the powers of the authorities to investigate it and related issues including sabotage, treachery, disclosure of information and other issues.

The Crimes (Foreign Incursions and Recruitment) Act 1978 covers offences prohibiting Australian citizens and residents from engaging in hostile activities in a foreign state and recruiting people to do so.

The Criminal Code Act 1995 covers terrorism and terrorism related acts.

The Surveillance Devices Act 2004 sets out procedures for officers to obtain warrants, emergency authorisations and tracking device authorisations for the installation and use of surveillance devices in criminal investigations and other initiatives.

The Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979 permits ASIO to intercept telecommunications under warrant for intelligence gathering including in relation to threats of terrorism.

It also provides authority, where a warrant is obtained for Australian law enforcement bodies to intercept telecommunications in investigations into serious offences, including a range of terrorism offences.

It is expected there will be some conflict between security laws and human rights. The laws because of their very nature restrict freedom, rights and in some cases, liberty. For national security purposes, we sometimes have to sacrifice some liberties to protect the sovereignty of our nation.

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