Thursday, 10 August 2000

Military to Get Wide Ranging New Powers

Greens Senator Bob Brown has condemned new Government legislation that would
give wide ranging new powers to the military to suppress domestic unrest in
Australia.

The Defence Legislation (Aid to the Civilian Authorities) Bill has been
introduced to the House of Representatives and is expected to come before
the Senate in time to be in place for the Olympics and protests at the World
Economic Forum in Melbourne on September 11th this year.

"The legislation authorises just three ministers, including the Prime
Minister, to call out military personnel to deal with domestic
disturbances," Senator Brown said.

"Many legitimate peaceful protests and political demonstrations could come
under the banner of 'domestic violence'. The provisions in the bill that
prevent the military being used to "stop or restrict any lawful protest" are
not worth the paper they are written on as almost all protests can be deemed
unlawful by permission for the protest being withdrawn.

"Disturbingly, the legislation would mean that the military, once deployed,
would have a range of powers not normally available to police. For example,
the defence forces would be able to search premises without a warrant and
detain people without arrest.

"This is 'post Seattle' legislation seeking new powers against a supposed
threat from ordinary people. But really it is all about protecting corporate
interest.

"In that sense it goes beyond the calls by Liberal MPs during the Franklin
protests to bring in troops which would have potentially turned a peaceful
blockade into something more violent," Senator Brown said.

Further information: Ben Oquist 02 62773170 or 0419704095