SECURITY review will examine whether overseas-born supporters of terrorism and hate groups should be expelled from Australia - even if they have citizenship.
The Government currently has the power to expel terrorists if they are here on visas. However, Attorney-General Philip Ruddock said yesterday a review announced last week would consider all reasonable options to enhance national security.
"Australia's legal proceedings in relation to those suspected of or charged with terrorism offences will be considered as part of an overall assessment of Australia's counter-terrorism powers," a spokeswoman for Mr Ruddock said.
The National Security Committee will then consider any proposals.
Currently, the Government can kick out visa holders, even permanent residency visa holders, if they fail so-called character tests.
These can include criminal conviction, inciting discord, vilifying groups and "the collecting and making of documents likely to facilitate a terrorist act".
Deportation has been raised as an issue worldwide following the London terror attacks, which were carried out by young, home-grown bombers apparently influenced by outsiders.
The bombings provoked a range of Islamic spokesmen who scoffed at evidence al-Qaeda was involved, or they blamed the victims.
Sheik Mohammed Omran, an Australia citizen, said they could not have been carried out by Muslims and suggested the US was involved.
In London, Prime Minister Tony Blair is looking at toughening its expulsion policy.
One British firebrand, Omar Bakri Mohammed, has told the British people they are to blame as they re-elected Mr Blair after Britain's entry into the Iraq war.
Under existing British law, Mr Bakri, who is on welfare and living in subsidised housing, cannot be returned to his native Syria as the British Government cannot guarantee his safety there, as required under European Union law.
Australian law directs that those born abroad who are then granted Australian citizenship cannot be expelled if they break the law.
They can only be deported if they have been convicted of a serious crime here or overseas before becoming Australian citizens.
Citizenship can also be taken away if it has been gained by immigration fraud or the applicants lie in their applications.
However, immigration and legal experts question where those with citizenship would be removed to, if they were expelled.
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,15997160-2,00.html
The Government currently has the power to expel terrorists if they are here on visas. However, Attorney-General Philip Ruddock said yesterday a review announced last week would consider all reasonable options to enhance national security.
"Australia's legal proceedings in relation to those suspected of or charged with terrorism offences will be considered as part of an overall assessment of Australia's counter-terrorism powers," a spokeswoman for Mr Ruddock said.
The National Security Committee will then consider any proposals.
Currently, the Government can kick out visa holders, even permanent residency visa holders, if they fail so-called character tests.
These can include criminal conviction, inciting discord, vilifying groups and "the collecting and making of documents likely to facilitate a terrorist act".
Deportation has been raised as an issue worldwide following the London terror attacks, which were carried out by young, home-grown bombers apparently influenced by outsiders.
The bombings provoked a range of Islamic spokesmen who scoffed at evidence al-Qaeda was involved, or they blamed the victims.
Sheik Mohammed Omran, an Australia citizen, said they could not have been carried out by Muslims and suggested the US was involved.
In London, Prime Minister Tony Blair is looking at toughening its expulsion policy.
One British firebrand, Omar Bakri Mohammed, has told the British people they are to blame as they re-elected Mr Blair after Britain's entry into the Iraq war.
Under existing British law, Mr Bakri, who is on welfare and living in subsidised housing, cannot be returned to his native Syria as the British Government cannot guarantee his safety there, as required under European Union law.
Australian law directs that those born abroad who are then granted Australian citizenship cannot be expelled if they break the law.
They can only be deported if they have been convicted of a serious crime here or overseas before becoming Australian citizens.
Citizenship can also be taken away if it has been gained by immigration fraud or the applicants lie in their applications.
However, immigration and legal experts question where those with citizenship would be removed to, if they were expelled.
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,15997160-2,00.html
