Greens will block repeal of terror laws monitor

Expert oversight of Australia's counter-terrorism laws cannot be called "red tape", Australian Greens spokesperson for legal affairs Senator Penny Wright has said.

Senator Wright said the Abbott Government should be red-faced about using red tape repeal day to take away human rights oversight by seeking to dismantle the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor.

"Successive governments have ignored the recommendations of Bret Walker to fix the over-zealous Howard counter-terrorism laws," Senator Wright said.

"While Mr Walker's reports might be highly inconvenient for the government - you cannot call them red tape.

"The Australian Greens will be blocking this repeal because the government should not be hiding from independent advice about human rights infringements.

"Not only should the Monitor be saved, but the Federal Government should start listening to his advice about making sure national security laws do not impinge on people's freedoms."