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Australian PM Sets New Anti-Terror Laws in Motion

© AFP 2023 / MARTY MELVILLE Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott - Sputnik International
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In a video message, Tony Abbott promised that new anti-terror laws drawn up by the government will make the country safer from the threat of terrorist.

Brintha Sukumaran, center, sisters of Myuran Sukumaran, an Australian on death row, cries upon arrival at Wijayapura ferry port to cross to the prison island of Nusakambangan, in Cilacap, Central Java, Indonesia, Tuesday, April 28, 2015 - Sputnik International
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The Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott prepared the ground for new anti-terror laws to be unveiled this week, in an effort to tackle extremism.

"Like many other countries, Australia is dealing with an increased terror threat," said Abbott, in a video message released early on Sunday.

"Since the terror alert level was raised from medium to high last September, we've witnessed terrorist inspired events in Sydney and in Melbourne," said Abbott, adding that a further six terrorist attacks have been averted by security forces.

"Australia faces a growing challenge from foreign fighters, and from home-grown terrorists. At least 250 Australians, some very young, have become ensnared in the evil ideology of the Daesh death cult."

"To those young Australians contemplating joining this death cult, I say 'think again.' Throwing in your lot with the most barbaric people, in the most dangerous parts of the Earth, could cost you your life."

"If you survive and seek to return, expect to face the consequences. You will face the full force of the law."

"In coming days the government will be making further announcements about keeping our country as safe as possible. You can be assured that this government will do everything in our power to protect our people, and to stop radicalized and brutalized people from roaming our streets."

The announcement was released before the Australian government unveils new legislation in parliament this week, which is expected to include laws to tackle the terrorist threat. 

Last week the Australian media reported that one of the measures is to make changes to Australia's Citizenship Act, allowing second generation Australians who are caught supporting a terror to be stripped of their citizenship.

A new proposal to rework Australia's citizenship laws could make it possible to strip those found guilty of hate speech or terrorism of their nationality and deport them. - Sputnik International
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However, legal experts have warned that such a move could contravene the 1961 United Nations Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness.

Immigration spokesman for the opposition Labor Party Richard Marles told the Australian media on Sunday that instead of departing Australians with dual nationality, national security interests would be better served by jailing jihadists.

"I make the observation that the safest place for someone who means to do our country harm is in an Australian prison," said Marles, whose party leader Bill Shorton earlier promised bipartisan support for government initiatives to deal with terrorism.

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