19th Mar 2008, 9:19 AM – Representatives Motions - Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Laws Bill 2008 - Suspend standing orders

The majority voted against a motion introduced by Liberal MP Petro Georgiou. The motion was:

That so much of the standing orders be suspended as would prevent order of the day No. 6, private Members’ business, relating to the Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Laws Bill 2008, being called on and proceeded with immediately, in light of the following reasons:

(1) the Australian Parliament has enacted more than 30 laws dealing with terrorism since 2001;(The year 2001 is significant due to the events of 11 September in New York City and Washington, which you can read more about here.)

(2) offences and procedures have been established which depart significantly from traditional criminal law principles and practices, and restrict fundamental civil liberties;

(3) it is critical that Parliament and the executive are well informed about the effectiveness and impact of the laws;

(4) however, the machinery of vigilance in Australia is deficient—reviews to date have been sporadic and fragmented and with limited mandates. Important issues have not been addressed;

(5) a credible new mechanism of review is essential;

(6) the Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security has twice recommended the establishment of the position of Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Laws, to provide a more integrated and ongoing approach to monitoring the laws;

(7) the committee considered that creation of the position would contribute positively to community confidence as well as provide the Parliament with regular factual reports;

(8) the committee’s recommendation was made unanimously on a bipartisan basis;

(9) the appointment of an Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Laws has been supported by other authoritative commentators, including the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security and the President of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission; and

(10) Parliament should have an immediate opportunity to consider this bill to establish a safeguard for the protection of our security and our rights, one which has been strongly endorsed across the political spectrum and within civil society.

Because this motion to suspend standing orders was rejected, Mr Georgiou cannot move the above motion in respect to an Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Laws.

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