The Wire

Australia faces a potential terrorist threat so great Prime Minister John Howard this afternoon rushed through an amendment to the terrorist act in parliament. But critics say it’s no co-incidence the threat came as Mr Howard faces continued pressure from state and territory leaders over his anti-terrorism legislation. The Prime Minister would not give further details about the threat, citing operational security reasons. Opposition Leader Kim Beazley said Labor supports the amendment. The amendment relates to the description of a terrorist act, allowing authorities to deal with the threat. The amendment is separate from the Government’s proposed counter-terrorism legislation that Mr Howard says will be introduced to the Parliament soon – legislation that’s still being opposed by some Territory and state leaders. Clive Williams, Director of Terrorism Studies at the Australian National University questioned the timing of the potential threat. ALDO BORGU from Australian Strategic Policy says the federal government wants to ban organisations that aren’t necessarily terrorist groups, but might advocate terrorism. Mr Borgu says the PM’s sights set on radical Islamic group Hizb ut Tahrir, believed to have links to the London bombings in July.