Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment Bill 2026

Stage by Stage

Summaries in reported speech - not a transcript. In date order, both chambers.

1. Wednesday 12 August 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The Attorney-General moved the second reading of the bill, which aims to update Australia's counter-terrorism laws in response to evolving threats, including the Bondi Beach attack. The legislation extends sunset dates for key police powers and order frameworks until 2029 and streamlines control orders as the primary mechanism for managing serious terrorist offenders. It also removes the ability for individuals to apply for de-listing of terrorist organisations and expands protections for United Nations personnel. The debate was adjourned after the Attorney-General's speech, with the bill referred to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned and the bill was referred to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security.

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2. Wednesday 19 August 2026 · House of Representatives

   Bill Debate
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3. Wednesday 19 August 2026 · House of Representatives

   Consideration in Detail

   The debate focused on amendments moved by Rebekha Sharkie to ensure that individuals found guilty of terrorist acts under section 101.1 of the Criminal Code automatically receive a recorded conviction, removing judicial discretion under section 19B of the Crimes Act 1914. Andrew Gee supported the amendments, arguing that guilty verdicts for such serious crimes should always result in a conviction to protect public safety. Attorney-General Michelle Rowland opposed the changes, stating that the existing legal framework already imposes severe penalties and that no such discharge orders have ever been issued for terrorist offences.

   Outcome: The amendments were not supported by the government.

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4. Wednesday 19 August 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate concerned the extension of key counter-terrorism powers, including control orders and preventive detention, from December 2026 to December 2029. The Coalition supported the bill but criticised the government for delaying its introduction and raised concerns about the management of terrorism-linked returnees and youth radicalisation. The government defended the legislation as a necessary and proportionate response to the current threat environment. Centre Alliance member Rebekha Sharkie moved an amendment to prevent convictions for terrorist acts from being dismissed without a recorded conviction, which was noted for later consideration. The bill was passed at second reading.

   Outcome: The bill was read a second time.

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5. Thursday 20 August 2026 · House of Representatives

   Report from Federation Chamber
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6. Thursday 20 August 2026 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
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7. Thursday 20 August 2026 · Senate

   First Reading
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8. Thursday 20 August 2026 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The debate focused on the introduction of the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment Bill 2026, which aims to update Australia's counter-terrorism legal framework. The legislation seeks to extend sunset provisions for key police powers and order frameworks, streamline control orders as the primary mechanism for managing serious terrorist offenders, and strengthen protections for United Nations personnel. It also addresses the rising threat of youth radicalisation by extending the maximum duration of control orders for minors. The bill was referred to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security for further consideration.

   Outcome: Further consideration of the second reading was adjourned to 12 October 2026.

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