Qld: Democrats sceptical on email intercepts

AAP General News (Australia)
04-11-2004
Qld: Democrats sceptical on email intercepts

The Australian Democrats say they remain sceptical about giving police and spy agencies
the power to intercept and read emails and text messages.

The proposed new laws, expected to be voted on next month, give the police, intelligence
and security agencies the power to intercept and read the communications.

Attorney-General PHILIP RUDDOCK says the changes are needed because interception of
messages is not covered by present legislation.

The Sunday Age says the government has secured the in-principal support of Labor and
the Democrats by promising to increase safeguards and clarify when warrants would be needed.

But Democrats leader ANDREW BARTLETT says the Democrats remain concerned the legislation
seeks to further restrict personal freedoms and is yet to give any guarantees of support.

AAP RTV jfs/sco

KEYWORD: INTERCEPT (BRISBANE)

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