Australian leaders meet for anti-terror laws

John Howard

CANBERRA - Australian state and territory leaders look set to reach agreement with the federal government today over a raft of controversial anti-terror laws.

Despite general in-principle support for more severe measures to combat the terrorist threat in Australia, state governments have expressed concerns the tough new proposals as they stand contain no sunset clause.

The leaders will come together with the federal government at a Council of Australian Governments (CoAG) meeting in Canberra to discuss the plans.

Prime Minister John Howard has indicated he is willing to include a review mechanism for the laws.

Under the plans, terrorist suspects could be detained for up to 14 days without charge and suspects tagged electronically for a year.

There would also be greater powers for federal police and ASIO, more security cameras, tougher jail terms for inciting violence and fines for leaving bags unattended at airports.

The Islamic community and civil libertarians have raised fears the proposals unfairly target Muslims.

The ACT government has been most wary of the laws and wants a definite sunset clause, time to properly review the legislation fine print before lending its support, and checks to see whether the same goals can be achieved with less intrusive measures.

- AAP