The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review of the Criminal Code Amendment (State Sponsors of Terrorism) Bill 2025 ('the Bill').
The Bill proposes amendments to the Criminal Code to allow the Australian Government to list foreign state entities that have engaged in a state terrorist act, or otherwise supported or advocated terrorist acts targeting Australia.
The Bill proposes to:
- establish a new legislative framework enablling the Governor-General to list foreign state entities as state sponsors of terrorism on the advice of the Australian Federal Police Minister, with agreement from the Foreign Affairs Minister;
- create new offences which would criminalise conduct by these entities, as well as by individuals or organisations who would seek to assist or support their activities;
- provide for appropriate defences, such as for persons required by law to engage with a listed entity or who engage for legitimate purpose; and
- make consequential amendments to other Commonwealth Acts to extend relevant law enforcement powers and other policy tools to the new provisions relating to state sponsored terrorism
The Committee has invited submissions by 24 October 2025.
Committee Chair Senator Raff Ciccone, said: "State sponsored terrorism is an increasing threat to Australia. I welcome the Australian Government's efforts to address this threat through legislation. The Committee will review this important Bill to ensure it is effective and proportionate in strengthening Australia's national security framework."
