Criminalising Re-entry Assistance for Terrorist Sympathisers The Criminal Code Amendment (Keeping Australia Safe) Bill 2026; First Reading

Opened the debate

Taylor argued that the bill was urgent to address threats from Islamist extremism and the potential repatriation of 34 ISIS sympathisers. Taylor stated the legislation aimed to stop non-government third parties from facilitating the entry of individuals with terrorist links without ministerial approval. Taylor claimed the current government had outsourced national security decisions and lacked moral clarity regarding extremist threats. Taylor also noted the bill extended the sunset date for existing criminal code provisions regarding entry into terrorist areas from 2027 to 2030.

Government response

Burke argued the bill was poorly drafted and failed to address the specific cohort of ISIS sympathisers it claimed to target. Burke stated the legislation would criminalise aviation staff, baggage handlers, and international allies assisting in repatriations, which was not the intention. Burke highlighted that fighters had returned to Australia under previous Coalition governments without similar legislative action. Burke urged members to reject the suspension motion, arguing the bill was clumsy and did not achieve its stated objectives.

Opposition response

O'Brien supported the bill as a measure to protect Australian values and national unity. O'Brien argued the government had abdicated responsibility by allowing third parties to facilitate repatriations without clear ministerial oversight. O'Brien stated the legislation demonstrated leadership in confronting extremist ideologies that reject Australian norms. O'Brien claimed the bill was necessary to prevent the erosion of the way of life for everyday Australians.