By Peter Douglas and Bonny Burrows
Tough new pre-emptive terrorism initiatives driven by La Trobe MP Jason Wood have been agreed by state governments.
Under the controversial measures, which were announced following the weekend’s biannual Council of Australian Governments meeting, suspected terrorists as young as 10 will be able to be held without charge for two weeks.
Other significant initiatives include giving police powers to request court ordered restrictions on any person of interest, including enforced counselling and curfews, internet usage restrictions and a ban on any associations with other extremists.
In addition, foreigners on a visa will be given one month to enrol in a de-radicalisation program or face being deported.
After the meeting, Mr Wood said it was “great news” that the toughened measures he had spent 10 years pushing for had been agreed.
“This is the big game changer for the police and gives them questioning powers, which will, in turn, help prevent future terrorist attacks and ensure a higher likelihood of successful convictions against terrorists,” Mr Wood said.
Prior to the weekend’s meeting, Mr Wood – who is a former Organised Crime Squad detective and member of Victoria Police’s Counter Terrorism Unit – said the threat of terrorism cells being active in the region was a real concern, particularly in the south of the electorate, which includes Gembrook-Cockatoo, Officer, Beaconsfield, Berwick and Narre Warren.
He said prior to the changes, combating terrorism was a “wait and see approach”.
He cited the case of Abdul Benbrika who was convicted of leading a terrorist network and is believed to have considered targeting the MCG.
Previously, Benbrika was ordered out of Australia three times but eventually allowed to stay in the country.
“It’s no good waiting until they’ve committed a terrorist attack. I believe this will make a positive difference to Australians,” Mr Wood said.
The possibility of 10-year-olds being detained without charge has attracted widespread criticism, but has the support of Justice Minister Michael Keenan.
Mr Keenan said that it was “something that nobody in the government welcomes”.
“But, unfortunately, that is the reality of the situation we find ourselves in because (Islamic State) specialises in recruiting children,” he said.
