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Democrat Will Oppose Anti-Terrorism Laws
September 28th 2005


NSW Democrat MLC, Dr Arthur Chesterfield-Evans, has accused the Premier, Mr Morris Iemma, of selling out to John Howard after agreeing to new 'Anti-Terrorism' laws yesterday. Dr Chesterfield-Evans said the proposed laws agreed to by Morris Iemma will not work.

"All this talk about "tougher laws" is rubbish. Laws like this degrade our civil liberties and will ultimately fail. Draconian anti-subversion laws in Indonesia did not stop Muslim extremists placing a bomb at a night club in Kuta Beach. Even the British who have been engaged in a war of attrition with the I.R.A. for the past 30 years could not stop the London subway being targeted," said Dr. Chesterfield-Evans.

Dr. Chesterfield-Evans has voiced his concern that the participants of yesterday's Terrorism Summit are asking the wrong questions.

"They should be looking at the very real reason that we have become a terrorist target. The main reason is because of our part in the U.S. invasion of Iraq. Even General Peter Cosgrove, said that there would be minimal danger from terrorism if Australia withdrew from Iraq, and many people agree with him," he said.

The issue of safeguards raised by a number of state Premiers has also come under fire from the NSW Democrats because of the failure to provide timely and independent review mechanisms. Dr. Chesterfield-Evans will be voting against the Bill, and asking members of major parties to cross the floor to defeat the Bill.

"We already have the legislation we need to pursue people who take life and damage property. These laws exist within a framework that provides all the safeguards on which Western countries pride themselves. Our laws require proof of guilt, and they do not allow for detaining people without charges. We don't need to destroy the rule of law, the cornerstone of liberal democracy. These laws are the only thing that separates us from terrorists," Dr Chesterfield-Evans concluded.