17 April 2002

"The Howard government's anti-terrorism laws would lead to 1950s-style repression of free speech and free association if the opposition parties allowed them to pass," said Rob Durbridge, Federal Secretary of the Australian Education Union today.

The AEU today released its submission to the Senate Committee examining the Federal Government's Terrorism Bill.
The AEU's submission may be found here.

"The Bill is superficial and does not address the real concerns Australians have for their security," said Mr Durbridge. "Increased repression will not deter terrorists. Terrorism can only be addressed by dealing with the causes - poverty, inequality, violence and desperation."

"Whipping up community fear is the oldest trick in the Conservatives' book. Menzies failed in the '50s and his pupil John Howard must fail now. Legitimate rights to industrial action and protest could also be brought within the definition of terrorism under this Bill," said Mr Durbridge.

"The AEU calls on the ALP and the minor parties to reject the Howard Government's U.S.-inspired copycat laws and protect the basic civil liberties Australians have come to expect. The Commonwealth and State Crimes Acts give enormous powers already to pursue terrorist organisations and their members. If further powers are needed they should be debated as amendments to the current Acts which maintain the right to legal representation and the burden of proof remaining with the prosecution," said Mr Durbridge.

Contact:
AEU Federal Secretary, Rob Durbridge on 03 9693 1800 or mob. 0407 560 368