Rally against Australia's anti-terror laws

CANBERRA - Muslims, union leaders and politicians outraged at the government's proposed anti-terror laws will lead a major rally at Parliament House today.

Members of the Islamic Friendship Association will join ACTU president Sharan Burrow, Australian Greens leader Bob Brown, Australian Democrats senator Andrew Bartlett and Labour's Carmen Lawrence at the protest.

Representatives from the National Indigenous Human Rights Congress Australia and the Socialist Alliance will also take part.

The protest coincides with MPs resuming debate on the controversial laws today and tomorrow, after which the legislation is expected to be sent to the Senate for approval.

One of the most controversial parts of the new legislation concerns the possible preventative detention of 16 to 18-year-olds if they are suspected to be potential suicide bombers.

The government insists its legislation complies with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

But the Greens have referred the bill to the United Nations Human Rights Committee for assessment on whether it conforms to the covenant.

"Extensive evidence before the Senate inquiry showed how these terror laws breach Australia's legal obligations under international law," Senator Brown said.

"We will be asking the UN to review the laws in light of the ICCPR."

A Senate committee which took evidence on the legislation last week and received almost 300 submissions -- most opposing -- is also due to report today.

- AAP