Defence allowed to shoot terrorists

Defence personnel will be authorised to shoot to kill terrorists attacking
Australian defence bases.
Defence personnel are also set to gain greater powers to search people moving on and
off defence bases for unauthorised items and contraband.
It follows a review of defence base security in 2009 conducted after the arrest of a
number of individuals who were allegedly plotting to attack the Holsworthy Army base
outside Sydney.
Defence Minister John Faulkner said the review recommended a number of enhancements
to base security plus some legislative changes to powers available to defence
personnel.
A key recommendation was to clarify legal issues surrounding Australian Defence
Force (ADF) members acting in self-defence in event of a no warning attack.
Senator Faulkner said the general right of self defence provided the current legal
basis for ADF personnel resorting to force.
He said the proposed legislative changes would provide certainty on what was permitted.
"They will clarify the regime for authorised members of the ADF to use up to and
including lethal force where this is considered reasonable and necessary to protect
life or prevent serious injury to themselves or others in event of an actual or
imminent attack on defence premises," he said.
Senator Faulkner said this did not alter the primacy of civil police in responding
to security incidents at defence facilities.
Rather, it ensured appropriately trained ADF personnel were able to immediately
defend themselves and others until police took control.
Senator Faulkner said the legislation empowered defence security officials to
request a person's identity, conduct a search on entry or departure from a defence
base and in some circumstances refuse entry or detain a person.
He said the identification and search power would generally be exercised by
contracted security guards while the powers to conduct non-consensual searches or to
detain would be exercised by defence security officers.
Senator Faulkner said the legislation would stiffen penalties for trespassing on
defence premises which now attract a grossly inadequate $40 fine.
That will be increased to $5500.
Debate on the Defence Legislation Amendment (Security of Defence Premises) Bill 2010
was adjourned.