Christopher Nichaelson's article, "New national security laws make a mockery of justice" (24/11/04)correctly highlights the dangers of new "national security" laws that may make the capacity of the government to spy on its citizens more "secure" but do nothing to preserve the alleged "democratic freedoms" we supposedly possess but which are now "more honoured in the breach than in the observance". It comes on top of other draconian laws, each nailing yet another nail in the coffin of "democracy". It is an attempt to create a slave state in the name of "security" but is creating a Terrorist State set up in the name of "fighting terrorism". It is a sick joke.
Geoff. Muirden, Research Officer, Australian Civil Liberties Union, PO Box 1137,Carlton, Vic. 3053 (03)95341314

Just a bit of housekeeping, I may be wrong but your link at "is defined by the bill (pdf file 19.1KB)" may not be to the amendment described. Feel free to delete this comment once corrected.

Wonder if they'll join labor and use the guillotine to put it through the House in the next sitting.