Webdiary - Founded and Inspired by Margo Kingston

"In considering this proposed legislation, it is important to remember that in Australia there is no effective human rights framework surrounding the new anti-terrorism legislation. Unlike other western democracies, we have no Bill of Rights and therefore no check upon extreme legislation of this type other than what can be found in the Constitution. The Australian Constitution contains no significant human rights clauses and the few that are there have been so read down by the High Court as to be almost meaningless....the media at least, has become inured to governmental attacks upon our liberties, or to take a more sinister view, that it or parts of it are engaging in self censorship...I regard the role of the Opposition as even more worrying than the role of the Government. It would appear that a more critical role is being played by the Government's own backbench and the Fairfax press than by the Opposition. Even worse is the behaviour of the States and Territories who have delivered a trump card to the Government that may even be sufficient to overcome the fragile protection that the Constitution offers." The Honourable Alastair Nicholson AO RFD QC

"The NATSEM modelling demonstrates that without significant change to aspects of Newstart, such as to the income test, or to taxation treatment of additional earned income or to the activity test, individuals with a disability and women and men supporting children who attempt to improve their circumstances by entering the workforce face shocking Government imposed income losses. They'll not be able to pay the rent, put food on the table, and if they are on a part-allowance, they'll lose up to 75 cents in each dollar earned." Marie Coleman

|| Unions plan industrial action || Lawyers say new IR laws a 'dog's breakfast' || Eighteen MPs ejected from Parliament over two days || Joyce raises doubts over support for new IR legislation || more... ||

Parliament releases Anti-Terrorism Bill 2005 (Cth) and Anti-Terrorism Bill 2005 No 2 (Cth) - links here to speeches, amendments and Bills Digest.

|| Howard in hot water over revealing operation. || NZ PM Helen Clarke -  Australian officials have confirmed that there is no imminent threat of terrorist attacks. || Senior analyst says not conspiracy but believes Howard briefed earlier than Monday. ||

Parliament releases Anti-Terrorism Bill 2005 (Cth) and Anti-Terrorism Bill 2005 No 2 (Cth) - links here to speeches, ammendments and Bills Digest.

|| Howard in hot water over revealing operation. || NZ PM Helen Clarke -  Australian officials have confirmed that there is no imminent threat of terrorist attacks. || Senior analyst says not conspiracy but believes Howard briefed earlier than Monday. ||