Question Time AU

Bill Debate · Second Reading

Criminal Code Amendment (State Sponsors of Terrorism) Bill 2025; Second Reading

House of Representatives · Tuesday 28 October 2025

Continued from Wednesday 8 October 2025.

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

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.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Continued the debate

Andrew Wallace (Fisher) (Liberal National Party) LNP

Wallace supported the bill, stating it provided necessary tools to condemn foreign state entities engaging in terrorist acts against Australia. Wallace noted the bill mirrors existing frameworks for listing terrorist organisations and creates new offences for supporting or financing state-sponsored terrorism. Wallace highlighted that the legislation enables the Governor-General to list entities on the advice of the AFP minister, with agreement from the foreign affairs minister. Wallace emphasised that the bill addresses the evolving threat landscape, including state-sponsored terrorism, which current laws do not fully cover.