Territory agrees in principle to anti-terror bill

Chief Minister Clare Martin said today the Territory was waiting to see a copy of the latest draft of the anti-terrorism legislation. “The Territory agrees in principle to the anti-terrorism legislation but we now need to see the final copy of the bill,” Ms Martin said. “I’m expecting we will see a copy of the draft legislation later this afternoon. “State and Territory leaders have been working to ensure the legislation reflects the sort of checks and balances expected by the community. “We have insisted all along that individual rights have to be protected and I am confident the significant progress we have made now ensures civil liberties will be safeguarded. “We have been conscious of the Prime Minister’s concerns about the timing of sign-off on the draft legislation. “But I have always felt it was important that we did not rush into an agreement that might prove unworkable in the future. “It’s important that the detail of the final bill reflects the broad agreement reached at COAG in September,” Ms Martin said.