(Not the least of them are internal political concerns, but at least he knows the Labor Party is predictably self-destructing on yet another issue.)

This is not to suggest the proposed laws are an inappropriate step to take, but it is saying that, perhaps, there needs to be some serious consideration about their extent.

The Prime Minister has already shown some flexibility by easing back on his push for tougher shoot-to-kill laws and in the timing of the legislation.

He originally wanted the bill introduced to parliament today, but is now saying later this week will do.

That may not be satisfactory to state premiers, however, who have some concerns about various other aspects of the legislation including matters directly relating to the Queensland jurisdiction and the issuing of control orders.

The question is even being raised now that existing laws are already sufficient, so what is the intent of the newer laws?

This is where civil libertarians come into the picture, expressing serious concern that the laws will potentially have a much wider and far more draconian impact than proposed.

While some Liberal backbenchers express concerns about the proposed bill, so too do members of the Labor Party's left faction.

While Labor has the destructive situation of dealing with conflict between the varying views of that faction, the premiers and the Federal Opposition Leader, Prime Minister Howard should not get impatient or arrogant.

Most people will understand there may be a need to tighten laws to ensure greater security. In fact, they will probably be grateful for it.

The state premiers, while questioning some aspects of the legislation, are not backing away from the need for some tightening of the laws.

As West Australian Premier Dr Geoff Gallop said, WA supports the legislation overall and is "working with the Commonwealth to come up with solutions".

The nation's leaders should take the time required - politics aside - to reach an outcome with which they are all relaxed, which will provide the tighter anti-terror laws required but which will not have the side effect of impinging unnecessarily on the rights of law-abiding Australians.