The Australian government bowed to pressure yesterday and agreed to make key changes to a controversial defence bill which opponents fear could authorise soldiers to open fire on the streets of Sydney during the Olympics.
The Attorney General, Mr Daryl Williams, said the cabinet had decided to accept safeguards to the bill recommended by a Senate committee last week.
The foreign affairs, defence and trade legislation committee had suggested limits as to what the troops could be used for.
A dissenting report by the Australian Greens said the bill could permit the Australian Defence Force to be used to suppress or even shoot peaceful protesters.
Mr Williams said state authorities had always had the power to call out troops in terrorist incidents but denied there was any intention to use them against peaceful protests.
The Aid to Civilian Authorities Bill passed through the House of Representatives in June and will need to be passed by the Senate during the next two sitting weeks if it is to be in place for the Olympics.
The new laws will give the defence force the legal power to order troops on to the streets to assist state and territory police where necessary.
Aboriginal activists have planned a series of protests during the Games.