Peter Dutton’s plan to allow the Australian Signals Directorate to spy on Australians is a dangerous and unjustified attack on fundamental rights, Greens Justice Spokesperson Nick McKim says.
“For the Liberals to try to push this through just days after raids on journalists shows how little they respect basic rights and freedom of the press,” Senator McKim said.
“For two decades the major parties have endorsed wave after wave of increased surveillance powers for security agencies which have undermined Australians’ privacy and civil liberties.”
“This has been done without a case being made for the loss of rights, and we are risking the same if Mr Dutton proceeds with his new plans.”
“No further powers should be granted to security agencies without a thorough review of existing laws, and until our rights are properly enshrined and protected in a Charter of Rights.”
