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The government will introduce new legislation allowing foreign state entities to be classified as “state sponsors of terrorism” under the Criminal Code.
The changes are intended to strengthen Australia’s counter-terrorism framework and send a message that Australia does not tolerate foreign state-sponsored terrorism, according to a statement sent by Attorney-General Michelle Rowland’s office.
The legislation will “help ensure that foreign states that seek to fuel division, create fear and erode social cohesion in the Australian community will be held to account,” the statement read.
“While these attacks may have been targeted to one part of our community, they were attacks on our sovereignty and our collective way of life,” Rowland said.
“The government’s legislation will make it more difficult, more risky, and more costly for malicious foreign actors to seek to cause Australia and our community harm,” she said.
The proposed legislation aims to establish criminal offences for those participating in or supporting terrorist activities linked to designated state sponsors of terrorism. It would also make it illegal to engage in various forms of interaction with these entities, including joining, associating with, or financially supporting them.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the legislation “sends the strongest possible signal that the Australian government places the Australian community’s safety and security as its top priority”.
“Our government wants Australians to be safe and feel safe, and we stand together in unity and strength against any and all attempts at division and hatred,” he said.
