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There is a difference between dressing up in camouflage to do paramilitary exercises and performing an act of terrorism, according to former CIA consultant Paul Buchanan.
"Going into the bush and engaging in para-military exercises to include blowing up molotov cocktails in the bush still falls short of terrorism. It may be a little strange and it may be crazy," Dr Buchanan said.
He said the people arrested following the raids on Monday morning were activists.
"They don't play by the rules of the game, however they fall far short of committing acts of violence against people," Dr Buchanan said.
He questioned the seriousness of the threat given the police were involved in carrying out the raids.
"The primary counter terrorism unit actually belongs to the Special Air Service. It's an army unit and these fellows train 24/7 to counter terrorist threats both at home and abroad and they were not called," Dr Buchanan said.
Edward Gay talked to Dr Buchanan about the Terrorism Suppression Act, what constitutes terrorist activity and the police raids.
Click on the icon on the right to view the video.
