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Mr DANBY (Melbourne Ports) (12.35 p.m.)-It is a great pity that the media coverage of the successful conclusion of the court case against Abdul Nacer Benbrika and his followers has been dominated by a beat-up about the comments of the Attorney-General. That beat-up was inflamed yesterday by the new Leader of the Opposition, who, instead of welcoming the conviction of this group, used half of question time to score points off the Attorney.
I was very surprised during the MPI to see the member for Wentworth citing Rob Stary, who has strongly political views opposing the terrorism laws, yet these laws I know are supported by the member for Wentworth and the Opposition. It is very odd for the Liberal Party to be citing Mr Stary, as it is with Mr Greg Barns, whose extremist views on Middle East politics are well known. Both of these lawyers are ideologically opposed to the terrorism laws, which I know the member for Wentworth and the opposition support. As anyone who has read the Attorney's comments can see, he did no more than welcome the verdict. He was careful to say he was not commenting on those trials which had not been concluded. He said:
It is my view that the successful prosecution ... is the most successful terrorist prosecution that this country has seen.
'Inconsequential' one day, terrorist the next
Isn't wonderful that these difficult cases were concluded and shouldn't the opposition be supporting these convictions? Compared to similar trials in Britain and the United States which have been complete flops, our investigators have done a professional job.
I want to commend the officers of the Australian Federal Police, ASIO and the Victoria Police, who get very little thanks for their work. In this instance, and no doubt in others we have not heard about, they have successfully protected the Australian community from a deadly attack, an attack of the kind we saw in New York. I read that the convicted terrorists' lawyer, Mr Stary, said that these were inconsequential figures. So was Mohammed Atta before he reduced the Twin Towers to ground zero. All Australians should be appreciative of the security agencies' pre-emptive work. The prosecution of Benbrika and his group shows that both the Commonwealth and Victorian governments are very serious about the prosecution of people who plan these kinds of acts. The Prime Minister said:
... this Government will continue to take a hard line on terrorism. The outcome of these cases in Victoria demonstrate that we have a continued challenge on our hands. The Government will continue to adopt a resolute approach to dealing with this challenge within Australia. Australia still faces risks when it comes to the terrorist threat and our law enforcement agencies will continue to be vigilant.
But I say this loud and clear that these convictions represent a clear message to those contemplating any act of political violence. We in Australia not only will not tolerate it but the full force of the law will be brought to bear as well.
The success of these prosecutions stands in sharp contrast to the failed prosecution of Dr Mohammed Haneef. The passing of Australia's antiterrorism laws was a bipartisan endeavour, an endeavour in which I had a small part. The prosecution of genuine terrorist threats has the full support of both sides of the House, in contrast to the opportunism we saw yesterday, particularly from the member for Sturt. But it is a very regrettable fact that the former minister for immigration mishandled the Haneef case, as is acknowledged even by media commentators friendly to the former government.
Mohammad Atta "Inconsequential" before 9/11
There are some other aspects of cases concluded in the Victoria Supreme Court that I would like to draw attention to. Although Benbrika and others like him seek to recruit Australian Muslims-especially young Muslims-to the terrorist cause and in a few cases they succeed, the great majority of Australian Muslims reject terrorism, reject extremism and want only to live peaceful lives. As the Attorney-General recognised in his comments yesterday, the cooperation of the Muslim community was essential to the successful apprehension of Benbrika and his group. I am very pleased to note that the prosecutor, Mr Richard Maidment SC, told the jury that Islam was not on trial and that Benbrika's views should only be seen as reflecting his views and not the true views of Australian Muslims. The Federal Police Commissioner also added his views yesterday in the Herald Sun when he said it was an important part of the counter-radicalisation adopted by the AFP, Victoria Police and other state forces to ensure more police contact with Muslim groups. He said that it was important that figures such Benbrika were stopped before they could influence others. That is why it is so important to engage with the Muslim community. That was the argument both of Mr Keelty and of the Attorney-General yesterday.
Let me conclude by emphasising that it is very important that the approach towards successful moves against terror remains bipartisan. Therefore, it is plainly silly for the Opposition to try to make cheapjack points attacking the Attorney-General and to cite people like Mr Robert Stary. Mr Stary is perfectly entitled to his political views. His views, however, do not represent the views of either the government or the Opposition on the issue of the terrorism laws-neither do the views of Mr Greg Barns, another barrister, who is well known to the member for Wentworth and who, I repeat, has extreme views on Middle East matters. It is important for Australia's safety, when these trials take place and there are successful prosecutions, to show the Australian public that our security services are successful and are doing the right thing. Benbrika's group's conviction is in contrast to cases in Britain and the United States, because our parliament, courts and security services, working lawfully and together, have successfully brought these matters to a conclusion. I think that is the big picture that the Attorney-General was making. (Time expired)
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There was a favourable election report on the Melbourne Ports Victory in the Melbourne Weekly. Click here
Look who is suppporting Michael Danby on August 21. Click here
The Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O'Connor today announced that, if re-elected, a Gillard Government will extend the highly successful Secure Schools Program, which has already improved security at 54 schools across Australia. Click here Michael Danby calls for Liberal candidate for Melbourne Ports to disassociate himself from fake Danby website. Click here Emerald Hill Weekly interviews Michael Danby on rise La Gillarde. Click Here
So, what is Australia's National Broadband Network? Why is it so important and what will it mean for every Australian? Click here
Federal Labor's School Building Program saw the culmination of nearly a decades hard work by Galilee Primary School principal, Frank Cervillo with the opening of the schools multi-purpose hall, replacing a derelict under croft. Michael Danby representing Education Minister Julia Gillard said with the addition to the school precinct, Father Bob McGuire, Father David Hoffman, the local Catholic community and the Catholic Education office now saw Galilee and an adornment to the Catholic Education system. Click here.
Before Australia's Parliament leglislates autonomous sactions against Iran, Australia welcomed United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1929 imposing new sanctions against Iran, adopted overnight in New York. Click here
Danby examines how the Federal Labor Government is addressing Public Housing in Melbourne Ports. Click here
Broadcaster and eminent theatrical producer John Michael Howson writes to Michael Danby on Passports Affair. Click here
Michael Danby, has welcomed the Treasurer's 2010 Federal Budget which is economically responsible and provides relief for the people of Melbourne Ports experiencing cost of living pressures, while also affording additional incentives for saving. Click here
New Salvation Army Crisis Accommodation Centre opened by Michael Danby and Minister for Housing Tanya Plibersek. Click here
Malaysian Militant attacks Danby in Malaysian Parliament, Click here
Michael Danby, argued not to accept the Stern Hu bribery conviction, as it may have been given under duress Click here
Michael expressed his doubts about the fairness of Chinese legal system and its dealing with the Australian citizen Stern Hu. Follow the link to see Michael Danby on Bloomberg TV's 'The Trade', speaking on Stern Hu Click here
Michael Danby criticised Tony Abbott's undignified jibes in front of Indonesian President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Click here
Michael Danby welcomed the resumption of Middle East Peace Talks and pointed to generous offers made to the Palestinians by previous Israeli leader Ehud Olmert-see map, click here
More than 400 people attended a function at the St Kilda Town Hall on February 15 to pay tribute to Danby's work in the electorate for more than 11 years. Click here
Over 60 Australian Mp's and Senators signed a letter to the Malaysian Government asking to drop the charges against Anwar Ibrahim. Click here
Michael Danby says the ABC wont kow-tow to the Chinese communist party, click here.
Click here to read Laurie Oakes's overview of proposals that would cost the taxpayer $500 million dollars to finance political parties, published in The Herald Sun on the 19th of December, 2009.
Click here to read the speech delivered by Governor-General Bryce on Sir Zelman Cowen's 90th Birthday.
Julie Bishop makes a desperate and out of context attack on Michael Danby. Click here
Michael Danby has called the Liberal Party's recent outburst on Border Security nonsense. Follow the link to see Minister for Immigration & Citizenship, Chris Evans, discuss the recent influx of asylum seekers on Lateline (October 14), click here, or more recently the Minister's interview on the 7.30 Report on the 21st of October. Click here
Michael Danby delivered a detailed speech on New Matilda and Crikey.com declaring them the ‘dark and ugly recesses of the internet' . Mr Danby called on Crikey owner Eric Beecher to explain his publications failure to moderate racist comments. Click here.
Beijing's treatment of minority groups. Says a cover story of the Aust. Jewish News. Click here
An All party delegation to India consisting of 6 mps had their outrage towards the recent attacks on Indian students reported in the Economic Times (of India). Click here
Michael Danby promoted the Harmony Day Walk in the Hindustan Times on the 4th of July Click here and on the same day the Sunday Tribune (of Bangalore) newspaper reported on the delegations outcry at the attacks on Indian Students Click here
25 May 2009: Chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Migration Michael Danby, today tabled the 2nd of the Committee's reports into immigration detention. For Michael's tabling speech please click here. Please click here for the media release.
Local area receives Budget millions. Please click here for information on the benefits Melbourne Ports is receiving in the 2009-10 Budget.For a macro explanation of the budget, please see this interview with Finance Minister Lindsay Tanner and this interview with Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
Local small businesses were winners in this year's budget. There will be an increase and extension of the Small Business and General Business Tax Break. For more information please see these links to Media Releases from the Minister for Small Business Craig Emerson.
Media Release 1 Media Release 2
The Prime Minister Kevin Rudd blasted Iran's role in undermining the anti racism essence of last week's UN conference, which had the stated objective of opposing bigotry. Click here
New Electoral Commissioner Ed Killesteyn explained that 1.2 million Australians are not enrolled to vote, to see his dramatic opening statement to the Electoral Matters Committee click here.
Chinese Ambassador ticks off Member for Melbourne Ports. Danby welcomes his felicitous response: SMH article, Canberra Times articleForeign Minister defends Danby's appearance at rally click here
Michael Danby today announced that 28 local schools in Melbourne Ports will receive $4 million for minor infrastructure and refurbishment projects under Round One of the National School Pride (NSP) program. Click here
Pauline Hanson drops her bundle appearing on Today Tonight (channel 7) and walks out on an interview over questions about the $200 000 bonus she received, for receiving 4% of the Queensland Senate vote ($2.10 per voter) at the 2007 election click here. To read how Michael Danby exposed her earlier funding rort Click here
The Joint Committee on Migration established a new paradigm for the humane but rational treatment of asylum seekers. Click here.
Clive James, one of Australia's most celebrated expatriates penned the following poem in the Australian Literary Review. September 7 2007
