Convicted terrorists to be detained indefinitely under proposed Aussie laws

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull speaks during a media conference announcing new anti-terrorism laws in Sydney, Australia, July 25, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

CANBERRA - Convicted terrorists who are due for release in Australia could be held in prison indefinitely, under new laws proposed by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on Monday.

Turnbull said in the wake of recent terror attacks seen in Nice, throughout Germany and in Orlando, Australia needed to shore up its counter-terrorism laws in order to keep up with the growing threat of home-grown, lone wolf terrorism.

"In the wake of Orlando, Nice and other terrorist incidents, as well as our own experience since September 2014, resulting in the charging of 44 persons, we cannot for a moment be complacent," Turnbull told the media on Monday.

He said the laws, which would effectively lock up convicted terrorists indefinitely if they are deemed to be a risk to society, were still under review, but would be the prime minister's first order of business when parliament resumes in August.

"(The proposed laws) balance the need to keep the community safe with our commitment to privacy and the rights of the individual," Turnbull said.

"They follow a direction I gave last week to the counter-terrorism coordinator Greg Moriarty for advice on the implications of the lone attacker terrorists such as those we saw recently, particularly in Nice earlier this month.

"Together the measures we are announcing today are designed to deter terrorism, prevent it, ensure that the nation and our people are kept safe and to provide reassurance that Australians can and should continue going about their daily lives and enjoying their freedom in the usual way."

Opposition spokesperson Mark Dreyfus said Labor would carefully consider the legislation, but said when it comes to national security, a bipartisan approach was critical for the protection of all Australians.

"Labor will always act in a constructive and bipartisan manner on matters of national security with the ultimate aim of keeping Australians safe," Dreyfus said.