“Can you name three of these "draconian new laws" passed in Australia?”
Not sure about oz but here in the US, the DOJ is requesting the right for “indefinite detention without trial” under the cover of caronavirus.
I agree with the OP, cunning governments never waste an opportunity to obtain more power.
The Patriot Act was introduced shortly following Sep11 and most members later admitted they did not read the proposal.
The results are playing out now with arguments raging about data collection and spying.