From The Campaign Trail

I have spent the major portion of my working life dealing with human rights. Strangely, a recurring theme has been abuse of power and manipulation of authority by governments. I say "strangely" because governments are supposed to protect human rights. They are also supposed to defend the fundamental principles that underpin our system of government. The decision by Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews to revoke Mohamed Haneef's visa fails both to protect human rights and the vital principle of separation of the powers of the State. This is yet another Howard government wedge. It says if you oppose Andrews' decision you are soft on terrorism! Well I am totally opposed to Andrews' decision and to terrorism in all its forms. You don't defeat terrorism by throwing out the very principles that are worth fighting for. And sometimes it actually takes real leadership to defend those principles.