Committee to review two counter-terrorism bills

THE Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review of the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 and of the Counter-Terrorism (Temporary Exclusion Orders) Bill 2019.

The Bills were introduced into the House of Representatives on February 20 and 21, 2019 respectively, and referred to the Committee for inquiry and report.

Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment Bill 2019

The Counter-Terrorism legislation Amendment Bill 2019 contains a range of amendments to strengthen Australia’s counter-terrorism legislative framework.

The measures in the Bill fall into two broad categories – amendments relating to restrictions on bail and parole under the Crimes Act 1914, and amendments relating to the continuing detention order (CDO) scheme in Division 105A of the Commonwealth Criminal Code.

Counter-Terrorism (Temporary Exclusion Orders) Bill 2019

The Counter-Terrorism (Temporary Exclusion Orders) Bill 2019 is a stand-alone bill that introduces a temporary exclusion orders scheme to delay Australians of counterterrorism interest from re‑entering Australia until appropriate protections are in place.

The PJCIS Chair, Andrew Hastie MP, said, "In reviewing these Bills the Committee will work to ensure they offer Australians effective protection against terrorists."

The Committee is currently accepting submissions to the two reviews. Submissions should be provided no later than 4pm Friday, March 8, 2019.

Public hearings are expected to be held on Friday, March 15, 2019.

Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website.

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