THE Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security today tabled a report by statement endorsing the re-listing of Islamic State East Asia (ISEA) as a terrorist organisation under the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Criminal Code).

ISEA is an officially recognised affiliate of Islamic State, comprising several violent extremist factions, merging under the Islamic State East Asia banner. It has performed terrorist acts against civilians, armed forces, and government officials in the Philippines.

ISEA has been previously listed as a terrorist organisation under the Criminal Code. Its relisting for a further three-year period ensures the ongoing application of offences under the Criminal Code relating to membership of, support for, or association with the organisation.

The committee’s report by statement acknowledges that the appropriate processes have been followed, and that the committee agrees that Islamic State East Asia continues to meet the threshold for listing as a terrorist organisation under the Criminal Code.

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

ends

THE Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) has tabled its interim report today for the inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors.

This interim report has a primary focus on the future of Australia’s international education sector post-COVID and explores options for the sector’s sustainable growth.

Chair of the Trade Subcommittee, Senator Deborah O’Neill, said, "International education makes a substantial contribution to Australia in many forms through its impact on the economy, our reputation abroad and the broader community. Upholding the integrity of the sector and quality of higher education provided to international students is therefore essential in many respects.

"The 29 recommendations made by the committee complement the reforms recently announced by the government, with the aim of strengthening the integrity and enhancing the competitiveness of Australia’s international education sector," Senator O’Neill said.

"While we anticipate that this inquiry’s final report will have more of a focus on the recovery of Australia’s tourism sector, as the subcommittee continues to travel across the country, we will continue to collect evidence on international education," Senator O’Neill said. "As noted since this inquiry began, the environment that international education operates in is dynamic."

Further information in relation to the inquiry and a full list of its recommendations is available from the JSCFADT’s website.

ends

THE Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) today presented its Advisory Report on the Counter-Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023.

The bill would extend the operation of various Australian Federal Police powers relating to terrorism for a further three years to December 2026. This includes the stop, search and seizure powers; control orders; and preventative detention orders. The Bill would also amend some conditions for the use of these powers.

The bill would also extend the operation of Commonwealth secrecy offences for 12 months to December 2024, pending a government review of secrecy provisions.

The committee recommended the inclusion of further amendments to the bill proposed by government, which would introduce a post-entry warrant regime, and following implementation of that recommendation, that the bill be passed by Parliament.

PJCIS Chair Peter Khalil MP said, “The committee supports measures that provide law enforcement the tools they need to protect the community from the threat of terrorism, and looks forward to considering these powers further in its review of Division 105A of the Criminal Code.”

Further information on the inquiry as well as a copy of the report can be obtained from the Committee’s website.

ends

THE Joint Standing Committee on Implementation of the National Redress Scheme will be holding a public hearing tomorrow for its inquiry into the National Redress Scheme.

The public hearing will commence at 9.30am AEDT (Canberra time). The program is available on the committee’s website.

The inquiry is looking into a range of areas, including:

• The experience of First Nations applicants and applicants with disability in their dealings with the scheme.
• Accessibility, performance and effectiveness of support services and legal advice for survivors and their advocates.

Committee Chair Senator Catryna Bilyk said, "Throughout the inquiry, the committee has heard about many challenges and barriers that prevent survivors from accessing the scheme.

"Tomorrow’s public hearing will hear from redress support services and the Department of Social Services. This evidence will assist the Committee with gathering evidence to make recommendations to government on how the Scheme could be improved."

Full details of what the inquiry is examining can be found in the terms of reference on the committee’s website. An easy English guide is also available.

Public hearing details

Friday, 20 October 2023
9:30am to around 2:15pm AEDT (Canberra time)
Committee Room 1R5, Parliament House, Canberra
Listen online at www.aph.gov.au/News_and_Events/Watch_Parliament

ends