Intelligence and Security committee to review relisting of three terrorist organisations

THE Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security today commenced a review of the relisting of Islamic State, Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province as terrorist organisations under Division 102 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.

The Australian Government first listed Islamic State in 2005, while Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province have been listed under different names since 2014. The three organisations have been re-listed as terrorist organisations for a further three-year period commencing on July 1, 2023.

The relisting triggers the ongoing application of a number of offences under the Criminal Code which relate to membership of, support for, or association with the organisations.

All three organisations are religiously motivated violent extremist groups which pursue an extreme interpretation of Sunni Islam. Of these groups, Islamic State (IS) has the largest global footprint, and since it was last listed by the Australian Government IS has continued to undertake terrorist attacks in Syria, Iran, Israel, Iraq and Austria.

Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province both operate primarily in Nigeria, and have reputations for adherence to an extremist ideology that promotes sectarian violence. Since they were last listed both groups have undertaken attacks against civilians and government officials.

Under s 102.1A of the Criminal Code, the committee may review listings of terrorist organisations and report its findings to each House of the Parliament within the 15 sitting day disallowance period for the regulations.

Members of the public are welcome to make submissions to this review. Submissions are requested by Friday, August 11, 2023.

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

 

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