The Australian Greens say a government bill to clamp-down on peaceful protest at Pine Gap is anti-democratic and the Senate should vote against it.

Under the Defence Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill, the Government has strengthened provisions defining Pine Pine Gap as a "prohibited area" required for the defence of Australia. Those who enter or photograph the site face imprisonment for up to seven years.

"The Howard Government tried unsuccessfully to prosecute Christian pacifists for entering Pine Gap. Now it seems Kevin Rudd is following his predecessor's lead, finishing what Howard started by amending the law to further crack down on peaceful protest," said Greens Senator Scott Ludlam.

"This is a grossly disproportionate response to peaceful citizen protest. The idea that someone could be thrown in jail for almost a decade, simply for demonstrating against the military role of this CIA-operated facility is appallingly anti-democratic."

"It's further evidence of the kind of clandestine approach to Pine Gap we've seen from both Liberal and Labor governments. We still don't know who the facility spies on, or who is targeted. This facility was probably used to coordinate bombing raids during the illegal war on Iraq. The government is now threatening to lock up innocent civilians who seek to peacefully protest at the site."

Senator Ludlam also criticised the government for trying to introduce the change through stealth.

"I'm also disappointed that the government is including provisions to restrict civil liberties, in what is otherwise a common-sense piece of legislation to establish the Red Crystal as a secular alternative to the Red Cross. It would be farcical, if it wasn't so deceptive."

"Citizens have a democratic right to protest whether Pine Gap is a necessary part of Australia's defence program. We will be voting to protect that right, by voting against this bill in the senate," said Senator Ludlam.

Senator Ludlam tabled the Greens dissenting report today.

Media contact: Robert Simms - 0417 174 302