The legislation is reprehensible as being the single most significant incursion on our civil liberties. It is neither effective, necessary or consistent with our constitutional traditions;
- There are existing powers within our legislative framework that law enforcement is able to use to achieve the purposes which were originally desired of 28 days detention.
- No suspect is yet to be detained for 28 days. This demonstrates; firstly, that our existing systems are adequate to cope with the needs presented and, secondly the powers are of themselves beyond the scope of necessity, which should be a starting test.
- The system of review by judiciary is a diluted form of review and thus there are inadequate checks on the executive's exercise of its powers.
- The powers are used in a discriminatory and disproportionately effect minorities.
- Detention for a period of 28 days without notice of charge has the potential to destroy a person's life by disconnecting them from their family, friends and work.
- 28 days detention is a springboard to further periods of extended detention (eg. 90 days). As 28 days is unnecessary, this springboard is not justifiable