Counter-terrorism laws and human rights

[Extract] The government moved rapidly to create a range of new terrorist offences and to outlaw organisations suspected of planning or engaging in terrorist activity. In doing so, however, it courted significant criticism for undermining certain rights and freedoms that had previously been regarded as fundamental to Australian democracy and the rule of law. In particular, the new laws appear to detract from the presumption of innocence, abandon the privilege against self-incrimination, provide for detention without trial and prejudice the right to fair trial, as well as several other incursions upon personal liberty and due process. There is no doubt that strong new laws were necessary. The question is whether the specific laws enacted are appropriate.