The upper house has passed the Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Bill, incorporating a significant amendment from the Greens. This amendment imposes restrictions on individuals who have been investigated for terror offenses, as well as those residing with such individuals.
Among the reforms is a contentious measure that prohibits protests during a terrorism declaration. This provision grants NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon the authority to extend an initial 14-day declaration to a maximum of three months.
The bill has already sparked a constitutional challenge in the High Court, with critics arguing it could infringe on civil liberties. Despite this, Premier Chris Minns expressed confidence that the legislation will endure the legal scrutiny.
The challenge was initiated by The Palestine Action Group, Jews Against the Occupation, and the First Nations-led Blak Caucus, who have condemned the reforms as undemocratic.
Furthermore, the bill has faced opposition from the NSW Nationals and the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers parties in parliament, primarily due to its firearm reform provisions. Various farmers’ groups have also criticized the legislation.
Meanwhile, the NSW Nationals and the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers parties also opposed the bill in parliament due to the firearm reforms, while farmers groups have also condemned it.
Minns has said the new laws would “restrict access to high-risk weapons, strengthening licences, storage and oversight regimes in the state”.
It will dovetail with federal gun reform that will include a national buyback scheme.
The bill will now return to the lower house where it will be passed into law.
