NSW: Labor to get tough on national security

AAP General News (Australia)
12-17-2003
NSW: Labor to get tough on national security

The Attorney-General will reportedly be given the power to ban suspected terrorist
groups under a new Labor party plan.

The Australian newspaper reports the ALP is in discussions with the federal government
aimed at developing a bipartisan approach to national security.

Opposition homeland security spokesman ROBERT MCCLELLAND says the policy shift will
be contentious within sections of the Labor movement.

But he says the move is necessary to show voters that Labor can handle national security issues.

He says some of the relatively narrow membership base the party has is refusing to
acknowledge the legitimate security concerns and anxiety that working Australians have.

Mr MCCLELLAND says the reasons for going to war in Iraq given by the British and Australian
governments is flawed and dishonest.

AAP RTV kjd/lma

KEYWORD: TERROR BAN (SYDNEY)

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