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Australia denies terror threat coincidence { November 2 2005 }

Original Source Link: (May no longer be active)
   http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200511/s1496437.htm

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200511/s1496437.htm

Last Update: Wednesday, November 2, 2005. 8:23pm (AEDT)
Terrorist threat timing a coincidence: PM

The Prime Minister has rejected suggestions his announcement that Australia is facing a possible terrorist threat has been timed to avoid scrutiny of the industrial relations and counter-terrorism laws.

John Howard says he has intelligence now he did not have at the weekend, and the information concerns him.

However, Mr Howard has refused to outline the details of the threat.

He says the Government is doing everything it can to protect the community.

Mr Howard has told Channel 9 he has not timed the announcement of the threat to coincide with the workplace relations legislation, which was introduced into Parliament today.

"It is purely coincidental," he said.

"Now if I had made the calculation that I'll put this off for a few days so people won't accuse me of that, and something were to happen, people would have every right to condemn me unconditionally."

Attorney-General Philip Ruddock also says the timing is a coincidence.

"I don't manufacture advice that we have received, we act on advice that we receive," Mr Ruddock said.

"I don't choose when we will receive it.

"My principle concern, the Prime Minister's principle concern were that when we have advice, if we don't act as suggested, there is culpability on our part."

The Federal Government has briefed Opposition Leader Kim Beazley and Labor's homeland security spokesman Arch Bevis on the threat.

Mr Ruddock says the cooperation elicited through news of the threat proves its gravity.

"The fact that the Opposition thought this Bill was urgent and should be supported, the premiers believe this Bill is urgent and should be supported," he said.

"The agencies we have in Australia are working very closely together - and that's intelligence and police organisations - we're all singing with one tune because we've all been given the same advice."

An amendment expanding the definition of a terrorist act to make it easier to prosecute people planning an attack has been rushed through the House of Representatives.

The Senate will consider the amendment to the current legislation tomorrow.

The terrorist threat level in Australia has not been raised as a result of the advice and remains at "medium".

However, Mr Howard says that could change at any time.



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