Feds push for new clamps on terrorists

AUSTRALIANS suspected of involvement in terror activities overseas are soon likely to be temporarily banned from returning home.

The Federal Government will today introduce legislation stopping any citizen suspected of extremism from returning to Australia for up to two years.

“We need the support of the Labor Party, obviously, but we want to get the laws through as quickly as possible,” Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton said.

“They build on the changes we have already made to make sure that we can keep Australians safe.”

People returning from conflict zones would be ordered to remain overseas for up to two years, possibly in refugee camps, before being issued with a permit to come home once protections were put in place.

Labor has previously raised concerns the temporary exclusion orders could breach the Constitution by leaving Australian citizens stateless.

Mr Dutton insists that legal hole has been plugged through stronger rights to appeal.

He says the new anti-terror legislation is not unprecedented, because the United Kingdom has similar laws.

Parliament’s powerful intelligence and security committee has recommended the legislation be passed, subject to 18 changes.

Opposition home affairs spokeswoman Kristina Keneally said Labor was awaiting the Government’s response to the bipartisan suggestions before supporting the Bill.

“The Government has yet to respond to those recommendations or to give us a copy of the legislation,” Senator Keneally said.

Labor backbencher Ed Husic was far less diplomatic in his appraisal of Mr Dutton’s handling of the national security laws.

“You really can’t trust this bloke when he’s putting forward his claims,” Mr Husic told Sky News.