This follows ASIO’s assessment that the IRGC orchestrated cowardly attacks against Australia’s Jewish community – including the fires at Lewis’ Continental Kitchen in Sydney in October 2024 and the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne in December 2024. These attacks were designed to intimidate, sow fear and undermine Australia’s multicultural society.
Legislation enabling the listing of state sponsors of terrorism commenced on November 8, 2025 through the Criminal Code Amendment (State Sponsors of Terrorism) Act 2025.
On November 27, the IRGC became the first entity listed under this framework. Listing activates criminal offences for directing, financing, recruiting for, or otherwise supporting a state sponsor of terrorism, with penalties of up to 25 years imprisonment.
The IRGC is a hybrid military-security organisation that operates independently from Iran’s conventional armed forces and reports directly to the Supreme Leader. It has a record of conducting internal security operations and hostile overseas activities.
Under subsection 110.7(2) of the Criminal Code, the PJCIS may review a listing at any time and report its comments and recommendations to both Houses of Parliament.
Chair of the PJCIS, Senator Raff Ciccone, said, “This is the first organisation listed as a state sponsor of terrorism under laws recently passed by the Australian Parliament.
“The committee’s review will give the Australian community an opportunity to have their say on the listing of the IRGC and ensure that appropriate processes have been followed."
Members of the public can make submissions to the review by January 23, 2026.
Committee Chair, Tim Watts MP, said, "Teachers and lecturers are at the heart of building Australia’s Asia capability. They’re not just teaching language. They’re opening doors to understanding cultures, building empathy, and preparing our young people to succeed in a region that will define our future.
"When we invest in teachers’ skills and resources, we’re investing in Australia’s ability to engage confidently and effectively with our neighbours," he said.
‘The committee is looking forward to hearing firsthand perspectives on the critical role teachers and lecturers play in building Asia capability. This hearing will explore how educators can embed language learning and cultural understanding in classrooms, and how we can support them to maintain and grow these capabilities into the future."
The committee will schedule further public hearings in 2026.
In the review, covering the 2023-24 reporting period, the committee said it was satisfied that the agencies were overseeing their administrative functions and administering outcomes and outputs effectively.
In reviewing the expenditure of the six intelligence agencies, the committee was satisfied with the conduct of agencies, their efforts to achieve value-for-money outcomes for the Australian taxpayer, and their appropriate management of budget and expenditure over the reporting period.
PJCIS Chair, Senator Raff Ciccone, said, “The committee’s annual review of intelligence agencies’ administration and expenditure is an important oversight component of Australia’s National Intelligence Community. After in depth classified hearings and review of classified submissions the committee found the intelligence agencies to be working in an effective and efficient manner.”
Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the committee’s website.
THE Electoral Matters Committee is reopening written submissions and inviting community input on the 2025 Federal Election at its upcoming hearings.
Committee Chair, Jerome Laxale MP said, "We have learnt a great deal from the personal submissions and statements we have received to date, but we know there is still much more left to hear. We want to continue to hear from community members and organisations about their experience of the 2025 Federal Election.
"In response to community feedback, the committee has resolved to continue to receive written submissions until February 28, 2026," Mr Laxale said.
The committee will now be holding hearings in Ipswich on December 11, 2025. As part of these hearings, members of the public will be invited to get on the record by making short verbal statements of up to five minutes.
"Experiences from individuals involved in the 2025 Federal Election are essential to shaping the committee's priorities," Mr Laxale said. "Your perspective offers valuable clarity on where our efforts should be focused.
"If you would like to address the committee, please tell us a bit about how you participated in the election and what you would like to talk to the committee about," Mr Laxale said.
To register interest in making a statement at upcoming hearings, contact the Committee Secretariat at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Information on the 2025 election inquiry can be found at the inquiry webpage. Committee details can be found at the Committee’s webpage.
Public hearing details
Date: Thursday, 11 December 2025 Location: North Ipswich Reserve Function Centre, 2B Pine Street, North Ipswich, Queensland 4305
Programs for these upcoming hearings will be advertised on the Committee’s public hearings webpage as they are finalised. The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live.
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