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Associated Press in Canberra

A contentious new law that carries a 10-year prison term for anyone who reveals information about certain secret security operations was aimed at Edward Snowden-like leakers rather than investigative reporters, Australia’s attorney-general said on Thursday.

The Australian government on Friday elevated its terrorism threat level to the second highest warning in response to the domestic threat posed by Islamic State movement supporters.

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Australia estimates about 150 of its residents have travelled to Syria or Iraq to fight with militant extremists including the al-Qaeda affiliate known as Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, or ISIL.  Prime Minister Tony Abbott said any of these fighters returning to Australia would be kept under surveillance. 

Reports that the Australian navy added three passengers to an asylum seeker boat turned back to Indonesia have threatened to further damage already strained relationships