The Abbott government has embarked on the biggest expansion of Australia’s anti-terrorism laws since the 2005 London bombings. Changes do need to be made. Many laws are in poor shape after being rushed through prior parliaments, while others need updating because of new technology.

Unfortunately, the government has overreached in its reforms, which go much further than what is required. In fact, the extent to which its changes would extend the powers of government at the expense of citizens is unexpected and quite shocking.

"The government has overreached in announcing its reforms, which go much further than what is required." Credit:Andrew Meares

The first bill is already in Parliament. It allows greater surveillance of computers, grants immunity from prosecution to intelligence officers engaged in special operations, and exposes journalists to jail for publishing even general information about a terrorism investigation.

These changes are modest compared to what is to come. Further bills will require companies to keep metadata information on calls and internet use, reverse the onus of proof by deeming a person guilty of an offence if they travel to certain locations, and make it easier for government to ban organisations and jail their members based on their speech about terrorism.