State security?

Today's revelation of ASIO raids authorised by Attorney General Brandis (with more than a passing connection to legal action initiated against Australia by East Timor over alleged espionage?) seems to support a growing impression that 'interests of state security' is fast becoming a routine excuse for politicians to do as they bloody-well like to protect themselves from criticism for acts that would normal stink to high heaven!?

Will a 'Patriot Act' be the next step to institutionalize their status of invulnerability against awkward questioning on any aspect of government?