Govt exploiting terrorism fears, Fraser says

[Note: By an historical quirk of nomenclature, the Liberal Party is Australia's conservative party and roughly equates to Britain's Conservative party and the USA's Republicans. Thus, former PM Fraser holds a position in Australia comparable to Baroness Thatcher and President Bush Sr, in their respective nations.]

Australia: Former Liberal prime minister Malcolm Fraser has fired a broadside at the Federal Government for what he says is the exploitation of the public's fear of terrorism, to rob them of basic human rights.

"Mr Fraser has presented a Melbourne university lecture tonight entitled 'Human rights and responsibilities in the age of terror'.

"He admits he has considered resigning from the Liberal Party because of the Government's acquisition of what he calls arbitrary powers to introduce sedition laws and preventative detention.

"Mr Fraser says free society is best defended by adherence to its own principles, not by blindly trusting governments ...

"'The Government also knows in relation to terrorism, that the public is concerned, even fearful, and can be made more fearful.'

"Mr Fraser says the Coalition's departure from protecting basic liberties is to be deplored."
ABC

Parliament approves anti-terrorism bill

Tagged: australia, terrorism, sedition, free+speech, human+rights, civil+rights, liberty