Leaders say brief look at anti-terrorism legislation proposals did nothing to allay concerns about civil liberties

This article is more than 6 years old

This article is more than 6 years old

Community consultation over proposed anti-terrorism laws has been “insufficient” to allay concerns, a Muslim leader says.



When the attorney general, George Brandis, met key Muslim leaders in Sydney on Friday, the group had 30 minutes to review draft amendments to the legislation.

Muslim leader Hany Amer said there was not enough time to look over the proposals, which aim to stop young Australians taking part in wars in the Middle East.

The laws as they stood did not have enough safeguards for the innocent and the federal government’s public statements and foreign policies were only exacerbating tensions, he said.

“These hastily pursued measures with little genuine consultation will infringe on our right to a presumption of innocence until proven guilty,” Amer said.

Based on Friday’s meeting, it was difficult to feel the community’s voice had been heard, but if there was further engagement positive solutions were possible, he said.

Amer said he was told the proposals were not up for negotiation.

The Muslim leaders later issued a joint statement reiterating their disappointment with the meeting.

They said it left them questioning “whether the government is interested in serious consultation”.

The group said the legislation would “significantly dilute important legal safeguards and civil liberties of all Australians”.

In contrast, a spokesman for Brandis said the meeting was constructive.

“It was a friendly and constructive meeting and it was agreed that consultations would continue,” the spokesman said.

Last week, a handful of Islamic leaders refused to attend meetings with Tony Abbott in Sydney and Melbourne.

The prime minister said although the boycott was “foolish”, there was a “Team Australia” spirit among those who did join in.