Australia’s parliament has passed toughened anti-terror laws after the conservative government successfully argued its increased majority in October elections gave it a mandate to introduce the previously rejected measures. The laws, which had been rejected in the Senate because of civil liberties concerns, give counter-terrorism authorities more power to use listening devices and intercept emails and text messages. They also prevent the release of classified information during court hearings of terrorism cases. Attorney General Philip Ruddock said Australia’s main intelligence agency, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, would now be able to carry out security assessments on the use of the fertiliser ammonium nitrate, which he described as a “product of choice for bomb making” by regional extremist group Jemaah Islamiyah. Ruddock said the passing of the new laws delivered on an election promise and foreshadowed further changes when parliament resumes in the New Year. Full Story
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