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New terror laws to take effect in Australian state of Queensland

Xinhua, April 5, 2016 Adjust font size:

The Queensland state government will introduce new laws to give police greater powers to respond to acts of terrorism and public emergencies.

Queensland state Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said terrorist organisations, such as Al-Qaeda and ISIL, have repeatedly advocated attacks on people of western nations at home as well as abroad.

"For my government, public and community safety is paramount. These laws will provide stronger safeguards to deal with and prevent acts of terrorism. Importantly, they will help keep Queenslanders safe," Palaszczuk said.

"Thankfully, Queensland's preventative detention laws and terrorist emergency powers have never had to be used. But they have been tested in national and state counter-terrorism exercises.

"These exercises, as well as terrorism-linked incidents in New South Wales and Victoria, have highlighted the need for the changes we are now making."

Queensland state Police Minister Bill Byrne said the new laws would equip police with the powers they need to respond swiftly to any public emergency.

"The new laws balance a person's rights and liberties with the need to keep Queenslanders safe," Byrne said.

The laws will bring Queensland in line with other states across Australia. Endit