Broadcast: 27/10/2003 A-G orders probe after police raid Al Qaeda suspect The Attorney-General has ordered an investigation into why a suspected terrorist was in Australia for five months before French authorities passed on intelligence about his links to Al Qaeda. Willie Virgile Brigitte arrived in Australia in May on a tourist visa, under his own name. It is alleged the 35-year-old trained in Al Qaeda terrorist camps in Pakistan or Afghanistan.
Compere: Tony Jones
Reporter: Jonathan Harley
TONY JONES: The Attorney-General has ordered an investigation into why a suspected terrorist was in Australia for five months before French authorities passed on intelligence about his links to Al Qaeda.
Well, in a moment, we'll hear from Philip Ruddock, who says the case shows recently-introduced ASIO powers may need to be strengthened.
But first Jonathan Harley reports on Australia's latest possible Al Qaeda link.
JONATHAN HARLEY: Willie Virgile Brigitte arrived in Australia in May on a tourist visa, under his own name. It was not until five months later that French authorities alerted ASIO that he may be a terrorist. It's alleged the 35-year-old Brigitte trained in Al Qaeda terrorist camps in Pakistan or Afghanistan.
KEN MORONEY, NSW POLICE COMMISSIONER: Certainly our colleagues in ASIO and the AFP indicated to us that it was a matter of priority that Mr Brigitte be located.
JONATHAN HARLEY: Authorities were keeping the matter secret until French media reports of his arrest forced their hand, then police raided six homes in Sydney's south-west yesterday. Items were seized though no-one was arrested, but there are claims a terrorist attack has been prevented.
BOB CARR, NSW PREMIER: It's likely that they are breaking up now some cell that has existed in Sydney that provided some linkage, some association for a person of this character.
JONATHAN HARLEY: It's being reported in Paris that French authorities believe Willie Brigitte was asked to shelter an explosives expert in Australia... [end excerpt]