The Australian Crime Commission (the ACC) (formerly the National Crime Authority but with enhanced intelligence functions) commenced operations on 1 January 2003. According to the latest Annual Report, the aim of the ACC is to 'reduce the incidence and impact of serious and organised criminal activity on the Australian community'

In the months and years following the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 on the United States, a number of people suspected of involvement with terrorist organisations or their activities were apprehended in various countries around the world. Many of these people were, and in some cases still are, detained by the United States at...

20 May 2006 marks the sixth anniversary of Timorese independence. In this e-brief Susan Harris-Rimmer and Effi Tomaras give a brief summary of the transitional justice mechanisms employed in the case of Timor and the results so far.

Susan Harris Rimmer examines the relevant agency powers and finds the use of consent in this incident raises several issues of concern such as bypassing the need for search or computer access warrants, restricting freedom of speech in relation to publishing and the accountability of Australia’s national security officials.

On 8 September 2005, Prime Minister John Howard announced a number of proposed changes to Australia's counter-terrorism laws with the aim of enabling Australia to 'better deter, prevent, detect and prosecute acts of terrorism'. This compilation of references reflects the reaction to the proposed counter-terrorism measures and the outcomes of the COAG meeting; it will...