Criminal Code Amendment (State Sponsors of Terrorism) Bill 2025

Stage by Stage

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

1. Wednesday 8 October 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The Attorney-General introduced legislation to amend the Criminal Code, creating a framework to list foreign state entities as state sponsors of terrorism. The bill was presented as a necessary response to recent antisemitic attacks in Australia attributed to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. It proposes new criminal offences and powers for law enforcement to address threats from state actors. The debate was adjourned after the opening speech, with no other members speaking.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

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2. Tuesday 28 October 2025 · House of Representatives

   Reference to Federation Chamber
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3. Tuesday 28 October 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate focused on legislation to create a framework for listing foreign state entities as state sponsors of terrorism. The member for Fisher supported the bill's principles, noting it would allow the government to list entities like the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps following confirmed terrorist acts on Australian soil. However, the member strongly criticised the government for rushing the referral to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, arguing that the truncated timeline prevented adequate scrutiny. The member also raised concerns about the lack of legislative guidance for the foreign affairs minister and potential oversight gaps, though these issues would not prevent support for the bill.

   Outcome: The bill was commended to the House for further consideration.

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4. Wednesday 29 October 2025 · House of Representatives

   Report from Federation Chamber
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5. Wednesday 29 October 2025 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
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6. Tuesday 4 November 2025 · Senate

   Explanatory Memorandum
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7. Wednesday 5 November 2025 · Senate

   Second Reading

   Senator Claire Chandler spoke in support of the bill, which creates a framework to designate foreign state entities as sponsors of terrorism. She argued the legislation was necessary to list the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation but criticised the government for delaying action despite earlier recommendations and evidence. Chandler highlighted specific attacks in Sydney and Melbourne as examples of the threat posed by the regime. She called for the release of previously drafted listing documents to demonstrate transparency.

   Outcome: The debate was interrupted.

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8. Thursday 6 November 2025 · Senate

   In Committee

   The Senate debated Australian Greens amendments seeking to create specific exemptions for designated humanitarian entities under the Criminal Code. The government and the coalition opposed the amendments, arguing that the bill was not the appropriate vehicle for such changes and that broader reforms required careful consideration and state agreement. The amendments were defeated by a vote of 12 to 34.

   Outcome: The amendments were not passed, with a division result of 12 votes in favour and 34 against.

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9. Thursday 6 November 2025 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated legislation to allow the listing of foreign state entities as terrorist organisations, primarily targeting Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The government and opposition supported the bill's national security objectives, though the Liberal Party criticised the rushed parliamentary process. The Greens supported the bill's intent but raised concerns about humanitarian exemptions and highlighted inconsistencies regarding other state actors. A second reading amendment moved by the Greens to address domestic far-right extremism and the Camp Sovereignty attack was defeated.

   Outcome: The bill was not passed, with a division result of 12 votes in favour and 28 against.

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10. Thursday 6 November 2025 · Senate

    Third Reading
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