Community rallies to defend free speech

Concerned about the changes to sedition laws, people protested outside NSW Parliament.

Community members rallied on November 2 to defend free speech and protest the terror laws proposed by the Howard Government. Protesters were concerned that the proposed anti-terror laws would impinge on civil rights and expand the crime of sedition, banning dissent. Organisers said many critics of the Government would be silenced with penalties of up to seven years imprisonment and media outlets, which report their views, could face charges as well.

To enact the proposed laws the Howard Government requires the consent of the states and territories. The rally was held outside NSW Parliament to demand that NSW Premier Iemma oppose the laws.

But Prime Minister John Howard announced the same day that: "The government has received specific intelligence and police information this week which gives cause for serious concern about a potential terrorist threat," (smh.com.au, November 2).

"All the states and territories had agreed to the amendment to Australia's counter-terrorism laws to account for this new threat," Mr Howard said.

"Asked if they all agreed, Mr Howard said: 'Yes, they did. All of them quickly, after I had explained the situation, agreed that it was the appropriate thing to do'," smh.com.au reported.

Mr Howard planned to introduce an amendment to existing anti-terror laws to the House of Representatives that afternoon and recalled the Senate for the next day.

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Last Modified: 15 Nov 2005