Review of ASIO's questioning and detention powers
The submission to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security's inquiry into the Australian Security and Intelligence Organisation's (ASIO) questioning and detention powers was prepared by the Law Council.
The Law Council accepts the need, in principle, to provide intelligence, security and law enforcement authorities with adequate powers to effectively investigate and obtain evidence in relation to appropriately defined terrorism offences. However, any such powers must be accompanied by sufficient safeguards to ensure that measures against terrorism do not offend fundamental principles of the rule of law and human rights.
The Law Council is not satisfied as to the sufficiency of the safeguards against arbitrary interference with the liberties of the citizen which are provided in the current ASIO questioning and detention powers.
You can read the full submission below.