What Price Security?

Title: "What Price Security?: Taking Stock of Australia's Anti-Terror Laws"

Authors: Andrew Lynch and George Williams

Overview: The book "What Price Security?" by Andrew Lynch and George Williams is a critical examination of Australia's anti-terrorism laws and their impact on civil rights. The authors delve into the complexities of balancing national security with individual freedoms, arguing that Australia has gone too far in limiting civil liberties in the name of counter-terrorism.

Key Themes:

1. Anti-Terrorism Laws: The book scrutinizes the legislative framework and policies implemented to combat terrorism in Australia, highlighting both their effectiveness and their potential for abuse.
2. Civil Rights: A central theme is the trade-off between security and civil liberties. The authors discuss how these laws have eroded fundamental rights such as privacy, freedom of speech, and due process.
3. Intelligence Agencies: The book explores the powers granted to Australia's main intelligence agency and how these powers are exercised, raising concerns about potential overreach and misuse.
4. Terrorism Definition: The authors examine what constitutes a crime of terrorism in Australia, questioning whether the current definitions are too broad or too narrow.

Plot Summary: The book is structured as an advisory report, providing a comprehensive analysis of Australia's anti-terrorism laws. It includes case studies, legal analyses, and policy critiques. The authors present a detailed examination of various laws and regulations, such as the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act and the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act, to illustrate the impact on civil rights.

Critical Reception: While specific reviews are not provided in the search results, the book is widely recognized as a significant contribution to the debate on national security and civil liberties. It is likely to have received attention from legal scholars, policymakers, and human rights advocates for its thorough examination of the complex issues surrounding anti-terrorism legislation.

Sources:

• Bookshop.org: Describes the book as an argument that Australia has gone too far in limiting civil rights in the name of anti-terrorism.
• Curtin University Catalogue: Lists the book as an advisory report on Australia's anti-terror laws.
• Biblio.com.au: Provides details on the book's publication, including its authors and condition.
• Lost Knowledge Bookshop: Mentions the book as part of a series of briefings on anti-terrorism laws.

Overall, "What Price Security?" is a critical and nuanced exploration of the challenges posed by anti-terrorism laws in Australia, offering insights into the delicate balance between security and individual freedoms.