Extraordinary powers

New legislation that can punish foreign individuals without going near a court moves Australia a step closer to the fascist European governments from the 1930s (Brian Toohey, “Bad reaction”, January 22-28). We can now expect more “kangaroo” decision-making from the marsupials within our government. This delivers a blow to our legal system and the proud claim that we are a sovereign nation formulating our own laws. We have once again participated in our favourite pursuit of followthe-leader by virtually cloning a law devised by the United States and which “is likely to be aimed primarily at China”.

– Carmelo Bazzano, Epping, Vic