The Political Desk: Deliberation over the National Key Points Act

Eyewitness News Parliament reporter Gaye Davis provides details on this and other political news.

Parliament has begun public hearings on a new bill that may replace the National Key Points Act.

The Critical Infrastructure Protection Bill is intended to carry on the same functions as the key points act, proposes 'stiff' jail terms, says Eyewitness News reporter Gaye Davis.

It aims to secure key entities safe from threats and to keep secret information related to them.

Davis explains.

The big question is just to how far it is going to go?

Gaye Davis, EWN parliament reporter

The bill as it stands is going to carry out the same functions as the national key points act but those entities are going to be called critical infrastructure and it also proposes very stiff jail terms of 20 and 30 years for those who are convicted of breaching its provisions.

Gaye Davis, EWN parliament reporter

There is concern the new bill could prevent peaceful protest.

This has raised the alarm bells with organisations like the Right to Know campaign. They are warning that this new bill could shut down protesters who specifically target institutions like parliament or the SABC for example, and can prevent information about their security arrangements being accessed or made public.

Gaye Davis, EWN parliament reporter

Click on the link below to hear more from Davis....

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