From sporadic shootings to increasing terror threats, we understand why the government wants to toughen anti-terrorism laws.<\/p>\n
The growing nation-wide concern is due to the effect on the domestic security of Australian nationals fighting with or sympathizing with Islamic militant groups in Iraq and Syria.<\/p>\n
We can only wonder where the balance is between security and liberty in our community.<\/p>\n
Last month, Australia saw the fatal shooting of a police employee, outside the force\u2019s Parramatta headquarters, by a 15-year-old boy.<\/p>\n
NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione says the attack was a politically-motivated attack linked to terrorism. He said the 15-year-old, of\u00a0Iraqi-Kurdish background\u00a0and\u00a0born in Iran, had not been on the police’s radar and had no\u00a0criminal history.<\/p>\n
Despite police reassurance, the urge for the government to tighten counter-terrorism laws further and to lower the age of teen control order from 16 to 14 years is abundant.<\/p>\n
Control orders, where suspects are allowed to stay in the community, involve surveillance, are expensive and rarely used in Australia.<\/p>\n
In a recent security summit, PM Malcolm Turnbull stated: \u201cIt is important that as a community we are alert to young people who may be leading down the path of radicalization and take action as early as we can.\u201d<\/p>\n
Can the restriction of teen control order through their online activities and tighter immigration laws secure the safety of our country?<\/p>\n
Indeed, the efficacy of some new anti-terrorism legislation remains unproven.\u00a0 So what are we to do?<\/p>\n
The aftermath of the shooting and the Sydney siege last year has seen the national security alert shift to high and heightened concerns for lone wolf attacks.<\/p>\n
Recent threats at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and terror raids in Merrylands and its surrounds also suggest an urgent call to action.<\/p>\n
Law enforcement is limited and Australia needs to be prepared at the extreme situation that these warnings or threats could become \u201cunpreventable\u201d.<\/p>\n
PM Turnbull indicates community solidarity is the key to defeating terrorism, not radicalization.<\/p>\n
“I believe the best way we can defeat terrorism craziness in all its evil forms is by working together,\u201d he said during the summit.<\/p>\n
Given the dangers of overreach, any strengthening of anti-terror laws must be balanced by a much greater effort and investment in community engagement.<\/p>\n
As members of our own community, there needs to be society engagement and youth self-help programs where they\u2019re given support and room to air their grievances. The careful use of language, co-operation with at-risk groups and long-term education could go a long way.<\/p>\n
The balance act between security and liberty is always difficult. But the starting point must be greater engagement with at-risk groups could limit the emotional damage to young teens and children.<\/p>\n
Perhaps the problem here is neither security nor liberty. It is a social problem. Australia, we have some work to do.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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