Reaction to the London bombings has inspired a range of anti-terrorism suggestions in Australia, including bag-searches and widespread security camera networks.
However critics have questioned whether their effectiveness justifies the increased powers they will give to state and federal governments.
Prime Minister John Howard has been impressed with the closed-circuit television (CCTV) system used by British police to swiftly identify the suspects, and has proposed anti-terror reforms which could include more security cameras in train stations.
“I think of all the things that I have taken out of the few days that I have been in London, none has been more powerful than the huge value of surveillance cameras; the speed with which the British police and intelligence services have been able to assimilate all of the thousands of images…” said Mr. Howard from London on Saturday July 23.
“…that’s a very practical thing we can, certainly as Australians, at both a Commonwealth and a State level, have a look at.”
Additionally, NSW Premier Bob Carr is considering introducing random bag searches and sniffer dogs on public transport to boost counter-terrorism measures.
“I think people would agree with the proposition that your civil liberty not to have your bag searched is outweighed by my right not to be blown up when I travel on public transport,” said Mr. Carr on Monday July 25.
However the Democrats have urged a balanced approach, saying Australian leaders must work to promote multiculturalism and maintain the diversity of Australian society.
“The big strength of democracy lies in diversity and pluralism. We must resist the efforts of political leaders who try to place Australia on a war footing when we are plainly not,” said Democrats Senator Andrew Bartlett.
“We also have to recognise that modern life has its dangers,” he told reporters.
“We have thousands of people killed on our roads all the time, we always look at ways to make our roads safer, but we don’t talk about banning cars or anything like that.
“There are prices you pay for freedom, and we certainly don’t want to sacrifice them in any sort of extremist, knee-jerk backlash.”
“…we’ve always had extremists amongst ourselves and we have to deal with that sensibly, without destroying the freedoms of everybody.”
However former head of Britain’s national criminal intelligence service, Sir John Wheeler, who has been appointed by the Australian government to review security measures at Australia’s airports, believes that CCTV has a crucial role to play in preventing terrorist attacks.
However he emphasises that governments need to further understand what drives terrorists to commit atrocities.
“Looking at the causes of terrorism is very important,” he said in Sydney.
“Procedures to deal with the terrorist issue cannot succeed unless there is also an understanding of the causes.”
Transport Minister Warren Truss said he could not rule out an increase in the cost of air tickets to put in place some of Sir John’s recommendations. He anticipates the government will receive a draft copy of Sir John’s report by September.
Some information for this report was provided by AAP.
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