In late 2005, the Howard Government introduced an Anti-terrorism Bill that many argued was unnecessary and unconstitutional. Due to widespread public pressure, a series of amendments eventually watered down the worrying laws. GetUp members contributed to that community pressure, in this campaign as it originally appeared:
On 27 September, State and territory leaders will be asked by the Howard Government to introduce an unprecedented and dangerous regime of “preventative” detention.
This extreme regime will allow State and Territory police forces to detain people without charge, and without going before a judge, for up to 14 days.
The Howard Government admits these powers are unconstitutional, but still wants state and territory leaders to implement them because they are not bound by the Australian Constitution.
Now the six Premiers and two Chief Minister’s face a serious test of leadership. They must have the integrity to reject this reckless request.
Email your state or territory leader now and tell them to say NO to the Federal Government. Tell them that you are counting on them to safeguard our basic legal and democratic rights.
For more information about these laws, visit our blog.