Australia to introduce new counter-terrorism laws

Sydney

AUSTRALIA is set to introduce new counter-terrorism laws, Prime Minister Tony Abbott said on Sunday, with the package expected to include stripping dual nationals who are linked to terrorism of their citizenship.

There has also been speculation that the plan to amend citizenship laws, which was disclosed in February, could affect second-generation Australians who carry only one passport. At the same time, the government is considering introducing a "jihadi watch" programme in schools, which would keep tabs on pupils whose behaviour suggests that they might have been radicalised, it was announced on Sunday.

"It's long been the case that if you have served with the armed forces of a country at war with Australia, you automatically lose your citizenship," Mr Abbott told reporters.

"People who are fighting with terrorist groups overseas or who are engaged in terrorist activities here in Australia are effectively taking up arms against us. And it's very hard to imagine that we should allow to remain in the bosom of our country people who are trying to destroy us."

Australia raised its threat level to high last September and has since carried out a series of counter-terrorism raids, with several alleged plots foiled this year.

Canberra has also taken a tough stance against radicalised citizens amid alarm at the departure of more than 100 of its nationals to Iraq and Syria to fight alongside jihadists including the Islamic State (IS) group.

Mr Abbott last Tuesday ruled out any leniency for returning jihadists following reports that three citizens suspected of fighting with IS were negotiating with the government to return home. AFP