From The Age:

Attorney-General hails ’success’
Chris Hammer w/ Barney Zwartz
September 16, 2008

THE conviction of Abdul Nacer Benbrika and his followers has been hailed by federal Attorney-General Robert McClelland as the most successful terrorism prosecution Australia has seen.

He said the convictions sent a clear message to those who may be influenced by violent extremism.

“The real prospect of conviction and imprisonment will, hopefully, open their eyes to what terrorism really is, nothing more than criminal behaviour at its most base and brutal level,” he said.

But Mr McClelland said it would be naive to discount the prospect of other attacks.

“Clearly, a terrorist attack in Australia is possible, and hence we have our security rating at the level of medium,” he said. “And indeed it would be naive not to recognise that such a terrorist attack could be perpetrated by home-grown terrorism.”

He said more work was needed to counter radicalisation, as in Britain and the Netherlands. “Our agencies need to be, and are in fact, alert to the prospect of a terrorism event being perpetrated by young Australians,” he warned.

He praised the contribution of Muslim Australians in combating extremism.

“The Muslim community has been integral to the success of these investigations,” he said.

The convictions were evidence that law enforcement agencies had successfully adapted to new anti-terrorism laws.

“The proof of the pie is in the eating,” he said. “I think they have performed their role admirably.”

Mr McClelland indicated he was open to a review of the laws, but would await recommendations from the appropriate agencies.

Muslim community leaders, meanwhile, praised the legal process, but said the verdicts should not reflect on the broader Muslim community.

“Six Muslims being convicted of terrorism offences in no way reflects the 400,000 Muslims out there,” said Ikebal Patel, president of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils.

Arabic Council of Australia chairman Roland Jabbour said the Arab community was always concerned that it was not implicated by media coverage.

“Often we pay a price when there is negative coverage,” he said. “The level of racism and racial attacks increase. We call on the media to ensure their coverage is responsible and to consider the implications for the community.”

Mr Jabbour said it was important to note that the vast majority of Muslims were decent, law-abiding citizens who worked with law enforcement agencies.

“We’ve always considered that security and social harmony is not just the responsibility of the law enforcement agencies, but all sectors of the community,” he said.