From sporadic shootings to increasing terror threats, we understand why the government wants to toughen anti-terrorism laws.
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.
We can only wonder where the balance is between security and liberty in our community.
Last month, Australia saw the fatal shooting of a police employee, outside the force’s Parramatta headquarters, by a 15-year-old boy.
NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione says the attack was a politically-motivated attack linked to terrorism. He said the 15-year-old, of Iraqi-Kurdish background and born in Iran, had not been on the police’s radar and had no criminal history.
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.
Control orders, where suspects are allowed to stay in the community, involve surveillance, are expensive and rarely used in Australia.
In a recent security summit, PM Malcolm Turnbull stated: “It 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.”
Can the restriction of teen control order through their online activities and tighter immigration laws secure the safety of our country?
Indeed, the efficacy of some new anti-terrorism legislation remains unproven. So what are we to do?
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.
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.
Law enforcement is limited and Australia needs to be prepared at the extreme situation that these warnings or threats could become “unpreventable”.
PM Turnbull indicates community solidarity is the key to defeating terrorism, not radicalization.
“I believe the best way we can defeat terrorism craziness in all its evil forms is by working together,” he said during the summit.
Given the dangers of overreach, any strengthening of anti-terror laws must be balanced by a much greater effort and investment in community engagement.
As members of our own community, there needs to be society engagement and youth self-help programs where they’re 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.
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.
Perhaps the problem here is neither security nor liberty. It is a social problem. Australia, we have some work to do.