Law Council welcomes appointment of Dr James Renwick SC as Independent National Security Legislation Monitor
7 September 2017
The Law Council of Australia has today warmly welcomed the Governor-General's appointment of Dr James Renwick SC as Independent National Security Legislation Monitor (INSLM).
Dr Renwick has been acting Independent National Security Legislation Monitor since February.
Law Council of Australia President, Fiona McLeod SC, said Dr Renwick was an excellent choice for the vital role.
"Dr Renwick has a strong professional background in national security issues and is well respected among the legal profession.
"The role of the INSLM is critical to ensuring that national security legislation remains necessary and proportionate to the threats faced.
"It is also vital in ensuring that national security legislation contains appropriate safeguards to protect the rights of individuals.
"As governments move to alter and strengthen security and counter-terrorism legislation, it is critical that the INSLM is able to assess whether new measures accord with the rule of law and Australia's human rights obligations.
"Dr Renwick SC and his office have already engaged in appropriately robust consultations as part of INSLM review of stop, search and seizure powers, declared areas, control orders and preventive detention orders.
"The Law Council looks forward to continuing to work with Dr Renwick, who was a member of the Law Council’s Military Justice Committee for three years,” Ms McLeod said.
Ms McLeod also called on the Federal Government to make public the de-classified report which was delivered to the Prime Minister today by the INSLM as soon as possible, to inform the current statutory reviews by the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security.
Media contacts:
Patrick Pantano: Public Affairs
P. 02 6246 3715 E. Patrick.Pantano@lawcouncil.au
Anil Lambert: Media
P. 0416 426 722 E. Anil@hortonadvisory.com.au
Last Updated on 12/12/2017
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