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NSW cops allowed new shoot-to-kill powers

NSW Police have been given tough new powers to use pre-emptive deadly force against terrorists.

Newcastle police scoured CCTV footage following the alleged attack.
New South Wales Police badges are seen in Sydney, Thursday, Sept. 3, 2015. Source: AAP

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Source: AAP


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NSW Police have been granted greater shoot-to-kill powers to deal with the "evolving threat of terrorism".

Legislation allowing for the strengthened powers was passed through the NSW Parliament's upper house following a lengthy debate on Wednesday evening.

The Bereijklian government pledged to introduce the tough new measure after the long-running probe into the 2014 Lindt Cafe siege heard snipers hesitated when they thought they had a clear shot at gunman Man Haron Monis - partially because they weren't sure they had the legal justification to shoot him.

The coronial report recommended the government consider legislative changes to ensure that police had the necessary protections to resolve terrorist incidents.

At present, officers tasked with taking a so-called "kill shot" must believe their target poses an imminent threat to another person before they can fire their weapon.

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The NSW Greens strongly opposed the bill as it was introduced on Wednesday, arguing it was being rushed through parliament without proper scrutiny.

"The key lesson from the Lindt siege it is that there is an overwhelming need within the police for good processes, timely information and quality training," Greens MP David Shoebridge said.

The legislation also contains no independent oversight of the police commissioner's decision to trigger the move, he said.

Lawyers have also raised concerns about an amendment which allows police to use the lethal force powers on anyone in a terrorist situation, not just the those engaged in such activities.

"The legislation could result in the use of lethal force becoming the norm for any siege situation, without it necessarily being terrorist-related," President of the NSW Law Society of NSW Pauline Wright said.

The new laws will also give the parole board greater discretion to refuse parole for inmates linked to terrorism, or those radicalised while in prison.

Ms Berejiklian says the tough legislation will ensure NSW has some of the strongest counter-terror laws in the world.

"Community safety is our highest priority. I want our brave police men and women to be absolutely clear that they have our full support to keep the community safe," she said in a statement on Wednesday.

The bill passed with the Labor opposition's support.


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