A Bill which extends the operation of important legislative provisions designed to prevent and respond to terrorism was tabled in the House of Assembly today.
The Terrorism Legislation (Extension) Bill 2025 amends the Police Powers (Public Safety) Act 2005 and the Terrorism (Preventative Detention) Act 2005 to extend their operation until 31 December 2035.
Both Acts were introduced in 2005 following the Intergovernmental Agreement on Counter-Terrorism Laws which was signed by the then Prime Minister and state and territory First Ministers and sought to create consistency in counter terrorism legislation across the country.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Corrections and Rehabilitation, Guy Barnett, said that both Tasmanian Acts were previously extended for 10 years in 2015, and due to the serious and ongoing terrorist threat faced by Australia it is necessary to extend them for a further 10 years.
"While neither Act has been utilised in Tasmania to date, in August 2024, Australia's terror threat was raised from "possible" to "probable"," the Attorney-General said.
"As terrorism and violent extremism around the world remains a serious threat, it is important that Tasmania's security framework remains in place.
"The Bill will preserve national consistency which is important to enable Australia's police and law enforcement, intelligence and prosecution agencies to prevent terrorist acts occurring and investigate and prosecute those who commit acts of terrorism or who seek to commit such acts.
"The Bill has been tabled in Parliament before the end of the consultation period to give it the best chance of commencing before the Acts expire at end of year.
"However, we remain committed to receiving stakeholder feedback on the amendments.
"This Liberal Government is delivering for Tasmania."
The Public Safety Act provides police officers with necessary powers to ensure the safety of the public where there is a potential terrorist threat to a significant event or essential infrastructure, or where a terrorist act has occurred.
The Terrorism (Preventative Detention) Act 2005 provides for an authorised person to seek the detention of a person for up to 14 days in order to prevent an imminent terrorist act occurring or preserve evidence of, or relating to, a recent terrorist act.
A copy of the Bill and supporting documents along with details on how to make a submission can be found on the Department of Justice website.
Submissions must be received by 10 October 2025.
