WITH the emergence of horrific crimes of terrorism, it is time for Australians to take the gloves off and rethink their attitude to the death penalty.

I have been against it in the past but now, with terrorists planning to randomly behead innocent people, I wonder if we are being realistic about how we deal with this problem.

Such crimes can only be deemed as crimes against humanity.

Any militants whether religiously inspired or otherwise who threaten public safety and security in this country must be dealt with robustly and ruthlessly

According to the experts, this is now a serious issue for Australians and it is probable that numerous radicals are determined to commit horrendous crimes here.

Is it realistic to simply jail these people?

The risks to prison staff would be immense and it begs the question - should we be required to feed, clothe and care for such monsters for the rest of their lives?

The Prime Minister has already been nominated as a target, so perhaps it would be prudent for him to put this issue on the agenda for further debate.

BILL LOUDON

Bundaberg