The Australian Greens are calling on the Federal government to commit to an independent review into Howard's heavy-handed anti-terrorism laws, following the Australian Federal Police's (AFP) decision to discontinue David Hicks' control order, and the release of the Haneef Inquiry report today.

"Now that the AFP has decided to stop their heavy-handed treatment of David Hicks and John Clarke QC has concluded his review of the Haneef case, the ball is squarely in the government's court. Every Australian needs to be assured that their civil liberties will be restored - it's an issue for us all," said the Greens Attorney General Spokesperson, Senator Scott Ludlam.

"The Hicks and Haneef cases are just two examples of some of the more draconian and extreme aspects of Howard's anti-terrorism legislation at work. The government must tell the public whether it will support an independent review into the anti-terror laws in the Lower House, so that further abuses of civil liberties can be prevented."

"The public has a right to feel assured that the laws passed in their name reflect the values of our democratic culture. By supporting an independent review, the government can move some way towards providing that assurance."

Last week the Greens supported a Bill initiated by Liberal backbencher Petro Georgio to review the forty pieces of anti-terrorism legislation passed by the Howard government after the September 11 attacks. The government voted against the measure in the Senate and it may come before the House of Representatives in the next few weeks.

Senator Ludlam has moved a number of amendments to expand the review to examine the way the laws are applied by law enforcement agencies.

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