‘Erode social cohesion’: Australian government to introduce sweeping new counter-terrorism legislation

Sweeping new legislation will be introduced to allow the government to list foreign state entities as “state sponsors of terrorism” under the Criminal Code 1995. A statement from Attorney-General Michelle Rowland said the legislation would “help ensure that foreign states that seek to fuel division, create fear and erode social cohesion in the Australian community will be held to account”. The Bill will allow a foreign state entity to be listed as a state sponsor of terrorism when they have “directly or indirectly engaged in, or otherwise supported or advocated for, the doing of terrorist acts targeted at Australia”. The reforms will also include the introduction of offences criminalising engagement in, or support for, terrorist acts involving listed state entities, as well as criminalising various interactions with a state sponsor of terrorism, including membership, association and the provision of funding. The reforms have been introduced following a statement made by Anthony Albanese on August 26 and the “credible assessments” from intelligence agencies that the Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps directed at least two attacks targeting the Jewish Australian community. The reforms will also allow law enforcement and intelligence agencies to “deal with terrorist threats and prevent state sponsored terrorist attacks”. Ms Rowland said the “foremost priority” for the government was Australians’ safety. “Threats to the community, wherever and however they emerge, will not be tolerated. “Every Australian, no matter their race or religion, should be able to enjoy their life in any Australian community, without prejudice or discrimination.” She said while the anti-Semitic attacks “may have been targeted to one part of our community”, the government considered them “attacks on our sovereignty and our collective way of life”. “They have absolutely no place in a modern, multicultural and multifaith country like Australia,” she said. Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke said: “Our government wants Australians to be safe and feel safe, and we stand together in unity and strength against any and all attempts at division and hatred.” Following the introduction of the Bill, it will be referred to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security for consideration.