Sedition under the microscope
When the 2005 anti-terrorism laws were passed late last year, one of the most concerning aspects of the legislation were the sedition components, which were seen as a major barrier to free speech in a democratic society. Now the Federal Attorney General, Philip Ruddock has honoured a commitment to have those components of the laws reviewed by the Australian Law Reform Commission. The commission has been asked to review whether the amendments effectively address the problem of “intentionally urging others to use force or violence against any group within the community” or against Australians or our defense forces overseas. It has also been asked to assess whether sedition is an appropriate term to use. ALRC President, David Weisbrot, spoke to the Wire.