PUP disunity dogs terror Bill
More cracks are appearing in the Palmer United Party, with Clive Palmer blaming a "free-spirited" Glenn Lazarus for the introduction of a big increase in jail terms for journalists who reveal the identity of Australian spies.
Despite Mr Palmer professing a commitment to free speech, Senator Lazarus last week successfully amended new anti-terror laws to include 10-year jail terms for identifying an ASIO or ASIS officer.
Senator Lazarus' amendment added to the draconian penalties the Government had included in the Bill that could result in journalists being jailed for a decade for reporting on covert intelligence operations.
Journalists have condemned the threat of jail sentences as hindering a free press.
Mr Palmer yesterday distanced himself from his party's Senate leader, describing him as a "free spirit".
_Andrew Tillett _
