IF media reports are correct, the federal government will propose a law that strips dual-citizens of their Australian citizenship if they are merely suspected of sympathising with, supporting, or participating in terrorism. For once, I find true sanity in the words of Attorney-General Brandis and Joyce opposing the idea: “It is my job to stand for the rule of law” [Brandis] and “Isn’t that what we have courts for?” [Joyce]
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To remove citizenship based on mere suspicions – no charges; no trial; no conviction – is frightening. Defining “terrorist sympathiser” and “support for terrorism” has, to-date, eluded some of the most able legal minds; finding a definition that’s objective, reasonable, and relevant across multiple situations must be done mindfully.
Knee-jerk laws made by fear-filled people in a fear-filled environment will contribute more to the problem than any possible solution.
J. Bamberger,
O’Connor AC
