NSW government faces opposition to terror laws

Civil libertarians say a bid by NSW Premier Mike Baird to hold terror suspects for weeks without charge will not stop future terror attacks.

NSW Premier Mike Baird wants Australia to adopt UK-style counter-terrorism laws. (AAP) Source: AAP

NSW Premier Mike Baird is facing opposition from civil libertarians over his bid to hold terror suspects for weeks without charge.

Mr Baird wants police to be given the power to hold suspects in custody for up to 28 days without charge and wants the minimum age for those covered by control orders lowered to 14 years old.

"We have to take appropriate actions to ensure that our children are safe and our community is safer," Mr Baird told the parliament on Tuesday.

But the NSW Council for Civil Liberties says the changes will not prevent future attacks.

"I don't think the proposed laws are a genuine attempt to make the community safer," president Stephen Blanks told AAP.

"They are simply window-dressings to give the appearance of doing something."

Opposition Leader Luke Foley said he would support lowering the age for control orders, but wanted to know more about why extended detention was necessary before offering support.