ALP must block the ASIO Bill in the Senate

This is an urgent statement calling on the ALP to block the proposed new 
powers for ASIO in the Senate.

The ASIO Legislation Amendment Bill 2002 will enable ASIO to detain 
innocent people incommunicado without a right to a lawyer or contact with 
family and friends.

To be detained, people need not be suspected of any crime only be someone 
ASIO says has information regarding terrorism. This could include families 
and friends, neighbours and colleagues, journalists or doctors who know of 
someone ASIO says is terrorist.

People detained and interrogated will not have the right to silence or a 
right against self-incrimination. Withholding information could lead to 
imprisonment of up to five years.

Proposed amendments, such as the right to an ASIO approved lawyer and a 
maximum detention period of one week, do not alter the fundamental 
undemocratic character of the legislation which removes rights we have had 
for hundreds of years.

No one should be detained or imprisoned, unless convicted or suspected of a 
crime on reasonable grounds by a court.

Please add your name and return to
clewsls@vicnet.net.auas soon as possible.

Deadline: Monday, August 12.

The statement will be issued to the media and public, with only your name 
and organisation attached.

[Name]
[Organisation]
[Email]
[Phone]

For further information contact Damien Lawson
Western Suburbs Legal Service Inc.
30 Hall St, Newport 3015 VIC
03 9391 2244 (Tel)
03 9399 1686 (Fax)
0418 140 387 (Mobile)

clewsls@vicnet.net.au