Phone-using terrorists targeted

JUNE 26, 2003 

TERRORIST suspects would be barred from telephone services 
under amendments to laws introduced to parliament.  

"(The amendments were) to enhance the security of Australia's 
telecommunications services and networks and to improve existing 
arrangements relating to call data disclosure and interception 
services," Education Minister Brendan Nelson told parliament.  

The Australian Communications Authority (ACA) would for the first time 
be able to refuse to grant a carrier licence on national security grounds.  

The attorney-general would also be able to direct a person to not use 
or supply a telecommunications service on national security grounds.  

"The direction may be issued with respect to particular individuals, 
groups or existing telecommunications industry participants whose 
activities pose a risk to national security," Dr Nelson said.  

"Similarly to the power to direct the ACA to refuse a carrier licence 
on national security grounds, it is expected that the attorney-general 
would exercise the power to direct a person to cease using or supplying 
a carriage service only in extreme circumstances where the risk to 
national security cannot be managed effectively through other 
mechanisms."  

The Communications Legislation Amendment Bill (No 2) 2003 amends 
the Telecommunications Act 1997, Australian Security Intelligence 
Organisation ACT 1979 and Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) 
Act 1977.  

AAP

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Source: Australian IT ...
australianit.news.com.au/articles/0,7204,6656444%5E15319%5E%5Enbv%5E,00.html

Cheers, Steve..

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