It was by the book

"KAREN BARLOW: Scott Parkin spent three months in Australia this year on a tourist visa, conducting peace workshops and taking part in anti-war protests as he travelled down the Pacific coastline.

Melbourne is where ASIO took interest and for reasons not made public, Scott Parkin had his visa cancelled, was arrested, put in immigration detention and later deported.

The Federal Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, says the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, Ian Carnell, has vindicated ASIO's actions.

PHILIP RUDDOCK: He found in this particular case, that the security assessment was based on credible and reliable information, and the legislative requirements were met.

KAREN BARLOW: The substance of the security assessment, does that remain secret? Are we not to find out exactly what the allegations against Scott Parkin are?

PHILIP RUDDOCK: Well, security assessments are always confidential.

KAREN BARLOW: You have that discretion though. If you wanted to, you could release that information?

PHILIP RUDDOCK: Well, attorneys have never, in relation to these matters, confirmed or denied the details of intelligence information and the reason is that it's quite inappropriate and in the public interest for it not to be made public."

http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2005/s1525399.htm

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