BRANDIS MEETS WITH ISLAMIC LEADERS - THIS IS WHY THE ABBOT GOVERNMENT BACKED DOWN ON THE VILIFICATION LAWS ! Islamic leaders vow to combat home-grown terrorism as they meet with George Brandis Islamic leaders say they will do what they can to stop young Australians heading overseas to fight alongside extremists, after meeting with Attorney-General George Brandis. Several clerics this morning met with Senator Brandis at Parliament House in Canberra to discuss the problem of so-called home-grown terrorism. Senator Brandis says about 60 Australians are currently fighting in Iraq and Syria, with dozens more supporting them. The Abbott Government says most do not want to return home, but claims those who do are likely to be up to no good. Senator Brandis told the senior Islamic leaders that they are important partners and he wants them to use their moral authority to stop young Muslims joining ISIS, or other militant groups, in the Middle East. In your communities in particular you have a especially important role as moral leaders, as charismatic figures, as authority figures, as religious leaders, he said. The issue here is not religion - the issue is extremism. He confirmed security and intelligence agencies are still monitoring about 150 Australians here and abroad. It comes as an Australian preacher, Musa Cerantonio who has emerged as one of the high-profile supporters of the Islamic State of Syria and Iraq claims he is heading to Syria. Social media and internet pose problems for authorities Senator Brandis describes social media and the internet as two of the Governments biggest problems as it tries to combat home-grown terrorism. The Coalition is introducing new legislation that will allow security and surveillance organisations to better track Australian jihadists and their associates online. The Islamic leaders were briefed on the bills during the meeting. Sheikh Mohamadu Saleem from the Australian National Imams Council says all Muslims are shocked that so many Australians are fighting overseas. He says he wants to make sure the nation is protected from violent extremism. We really appreciate the fact that you have recognised the role of the imams in peace building in this country, he said. And of course we have discussed various ways of de-radicalising our youth. And we have been of course instrument in the past encouraging youth to engage positively, rather than negatively, in Australia. Senator Brandis says the Governments legislation will help save young men from radical ideology. He expects the bills, which are largely based on the recommendations of a report from Parliaments intelligence committee, to receive bipartisan support. Weve had this bizarre situation up to now that two agencies, in particular ASIS and ASIO, may perhaps in a hypothetical case be working together but powers exercisable by one were not exercisable by the other, although its a joint operation, he said. So the effect of the legislation will be to break down those silos which have inhibited operability. The Opposition has welcomed the meeting and says it will work productively with the Government. But Labors immigration spokesman Richard Marles says Senator Brandis should not have been the minister leading the meeting. To have the Attorney-General, the man who led the charge to amend the Racial Discrimination Act, which can only lead to greater prejudice to communities such as the Islamic community in Australia ... lead these discussions I think is extraordinary, he said. The Coalition says it will continue to consult with Islamic leaders as it introduces the laws. Source : ABC News Media release on meeting with the Imams by Attorney-General for Australia Minister for the Arts Senator the Hon George Brandis QC Remarks at meeting with the Imams by Attorney-General for Australia Minister for the Arts Senator the Hon George Brandis QC crescentsofbrisbane.org/Newsletter/CCN0504.asp
Posted on: Thu, 07 Aug 2014 04:52:53 +0000
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