Anti-terror laws widened

By JOHN ARMSTRONG political editor

New Zealand's growing anti-terrorism laws are to be toughened up for the second time in months with new clauses covering the unlawful possession of plastic explosives and nuclear material.

The new legislation will also criminalise terrorist attacks on the food chain and New Zealand's biosecurity.

It will also enhance the powers of border agencies like Immigration and Customs to participate in international information exchange, as well as strengthening extradition measures.

The Prime Minister announced the further beefing up of the country's anti-terrorism laws yesterday as Parliament debated a motion condemning the Bali bombing.

But the legislation was planned before Sunday morning's blast and fulfils New Zealand's obligations under United Nations Security Council resolutions.

The second phase follows Parliament's passing last week of the Terrorism Suppression Act, which was strengthened after the September 11 attacks last year.

That legislation makes it a criminal offence to take part in, finance or recruit for a terrorist organisation and outlaws terrorist bombing.

Following September 11, the Government committed an extra $30 million over three years to agencies involved in counter-terrorism and border protection. The measures included:

* Stronger aviation security measures, and enhanced border protection by Customs, and Immigration, and the police.

* Increased capacity to collect and evaluate foreign and domestic intelligence.

* Appointing police liaison officers in London and Washington, and establishing an intelligence unit within police dedicated to counter-terrorism.

* Establishing a capability to respond to chemical or biological terrorist emergencies.

In Parliament yesterday, National leader Bill English criticised the Terrorism Suppression Act, asking why it did not forbid membership of a terrorist organisation, and it remained legal in New Zealand to be a member of al Qaeda or any like organisation.

Helen Clark replied that "participation" in such organisations was prohibited.

"I personally would have interpreted that as membership," she said.

Under further Opposition questioning about New Zealand's access to foreign intelligence on terrorist activity, she said there had probably been more co-operation than ever before.

"New Zealand is an important co-operating partner with United States intelligence. We share information with the United States and other traditional partners. We put a very high priority on that form of co-operation.

"But clearly, within Indonesia itself there is a lack of [intelligence] capacity to deal with the threat internally."

Prime Minister Helen Clark: "We utterly condemn those who use terror and indiscriminate violence against innocent people. Those responsible must be hunted down and brought to justice."

National leader Bill English: "What we saw in Bali was hatred. This is the politics of inhumanity. It is not about history. It is not about grievance. It is deeply inhuman. It is depravity."

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters: "These are fanatics with absolutely no consideration for humanity. They will even kill and maim their own to make a point and to send a message. That message is war."

Act leader Richard Prebble: "This is a new sort of war. It won't be easy to combat it. But the only way we will be able to combat it is to have the closest intelligence co-operation with our traditional allies."

Green leader Rod Donald: "Whoever has perpetrated this vile act must be caught. At this stage it would be foolish to jump to conclusions about who is behind this act of terrorism. Whoever they are, they have earned the revulsion and condemnation of the world and have set back whatever cause they hoped to advance."

United Future leader Peter Dunne: "It is true now that the advent of international terrorism means the sanctity of national borders has gone forever. The price of our freedom and our continued security is going to be our vigilance."

Progressive Coalition leader Jim Anderton: "The scars of those in the wake of the bombs will be a constant reminder that terrorism comes closer to home."


Bali messages

New Zealand travellers in Bali, and their families in New Zealand, can post messages on our Bali Messages page.

Foreign Affairs advice to New Zealanders

* Travellers should defer travel to Bali

* NZers in Bali should keep a low profile and remain calm

* Foreign Affairs Hotline: 0800 432 111

Feature: Bali bomb blast

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