Former immigration minister Kevin Andrews will reportedly be called to give evidence to a judicial inquiry into the mishandling of the case of former terror suspect Mohamed Haneef.

The Rudd government is today expected to announce the details of the inquiry, to be chaired by Supreme Court judge John Clarke QC.

News Limited newspapers say federal prosecutors and senior
Police, including Australian Federal Police commissioner Mick Keelty will also be invited to give evidence.

A bungled investigation

The Gold Coast Doctor Haneef was charged with terrorism-related offences last year, following failed bomb attacks carried out by a group including his second cousin.

He was kept in custody for 12 days before being charged.

But the case against him later collapsed when the then Commonwealth DPP, Damien Bugg found there was no reasonable prospect of a conviction.

That decision came after claims that police presented inaccurate information to a Queensland magistrate, including claims that a telephone SIM card Dr Haneef had given his cousin was found in a car used in a bombing attempt in Glasgow.

Andrews revokes Haneef’s visa

After Dr Haneef was granted bail by a Queensland magistrate on July 16 last year, Mr Andrews stripped him of his visa, allowing him to be kept in custody.

The former immigration minister justified his decision on information he said had been provided by the Australian Federal Police, and which cast doubts over Dr Haneef's character.

However, after Labor took office in November, Immigration Minister Chris Evans reviewed the case and reversed Mr Andrews' decision.

Mr Clarke will examine all aspects of the Haneef case, and all relevant agencies have agreed to participate.


While News Limited reports Mr Andrews and other former ministers would be "invited" to appear at the inquiry, it was unclear last night whether they could be compelled to give evidence.

New security protocol

News of the inquiry comes with reports a new paper will be released today recommending fundamental changes in Australia's approach to fighting terrorism.

The report was commissioned by the federal government and written for the federal police by former NSW chief justice Laurence Street.

It’s expected to recommend a new protocol for inter-agency cooperation and information-sharing.