"When I have said quite clearly we believe this matter, complex as it is, has been handled appropriately by the authorities, I mean it," Mr Rudd said. "I've said it from day one."
Mr Rudd said terrorism was a serious matter for any prime minister or would-be prime minister.
"These are tough decisions, I understand the complexity of them. I also understand the complexity of the civil liberties argument," he said. "But on terrorism we must adopt a hardline posture.
"Terrorists mean this country no good whatsoever. When it comes to the protective measures adopted by our security forces, we have to be hardline and robust. On the action taken by the Immigration Minister, based on information provided, we support his decision." Mr Rudd said he would not comment on the matter before the courts and said it should run its course: "I have a responsibility to act on the basis of the information provided and I have done so." The federal Labor leader.
