Fed: Defence bill un Australian Supreme Court Justice

AAP General News (Australia)
08-27-2000
Fed: Defence bill un Australian Supreme Court Justice

A senior jurist says a bill allowing soldiers to be called in to end terrorist incidents
is an over-reaction by the federal government to a possible Olympic security threat.

New South Wales Supreme Court Justice JOHN DOWD says the plan to allow the Commonwealth
to send in troops to deal with terrorist attacks is un-Australian.

Greens Senator BOB BROWN says he's concerned about the bill and will be putting up
a raft of amendments in parliament.

Justice DOWD says while there's potential for terrorist problems with the Games, the
states are capable of handling problems and deciding when to call for extra help.

He says the bill is a Commonwealth over-reaction to a potential threat.

The bill enables troops to be called out if police are incapable of controlling an
outbreak of domestic violence.

Troops would have the power to search and detain people, seize property and shoot if necessary.

Senator BROWN says he will move a number of amendments tomorrow, including a clause
ensuring the bill would cease to be operational after the Sydney Olympics and the Paralympics.

The Labor Party supports the bill.

AAP RTV daw/smf

KEYWORD: OLY DEFENCE (CANBERRA)

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