The Australian Government has listed Islamic State Somalia (IS-Somalia) as a terrorist organisation under the Criminal Code and re-listed five other terrorist organisations.
Abu Sayyaf Group, Al-Qa'ida, Al-Qa'ida in the Lands of the Islamic Maghreb, Jemaah Islamiyah and Jabhat Fatah al-Sham have been re-listed.
The Minister for Home Affairs Peter Dutton said the decision to list IS-Somalia reflected the Government's continued commitment to strong laws for the protection of Australians, both here and overseas.
"The Government reviews the listing of terrorist organisations to respond to changing circumstances and to ensure the effective prosecution of terrorists," Mr Dutton said.
IS-Somalia seeks to advance Islamic State's ideology and establish a caliphate in the Horn of Africa. It has conducted terrorist attacks throughout Somalia and has advocated for terrorist attacks in Western countries.
The re-listing of the five organisations ensures that all terrorist organisation offences continue to apply to these organisations. Offences relating to terrorist organisations attract penalties of up to 25 years' imprisonment.
"Our security agencies have advised these terrorist organisations continue to meet the criteria to be listed for the purposes of the Criminal Code," Mr Dutton said.
"It is vital that our counter-terrorism regime comprehensively targets activities which could harm our community - including associating with, being a member of, or training and recruiting for terrorist organisations."
The listing and re-listing of these organisations takes the total number of terrorist organisations listed under the Criminal Code to 27.
Further details regarding the listing of terrorist organisations can be found at www.nationalsecurity.gov.au
