Question Time AU

Bill Debate · Second Reading

Criminal Code Amendment (Keeping Australia Safe) Bill 2026; Second Reading

Senate · Tuesday 3 March 2026

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

At a glance

The debate concerned the introduction of legislation to require ministerial approval for the return of individuals associated with terrorist organisations. The Opposition argued that current arrangements allowed third parties to facilitate returns without government oversight, creating a national security risk. The bill proposed new criminal offences for unauthorised assistance in such returns and extended the sunset date for declared area provisions. The debate was adjourned after the opening speech, with no final outcome recorded in the transcript.

Outcome

The debate was adjourned after the opening speech, with leave granted for the speaker to continue remarks later.

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

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania) (Liberal Party) Liberal TAS

Duniam argued that the bill was necessary to restore ministerial responsibility and close a loophole allowing non-government actors to organise the return of individuals linked to terrorism. Duniam stated that the legislation would create a new offence for facilitating the entry of such persons without prior written permission from the Ministers for Home Affairs and Foreign Affairs. The proposed penalty for this offence was up to 10 years imprisonment. Duniam emphasised that the bill did not prevent citizens from returning or strip citizenship, but rather regulated third-party assistance to ensure accountability. Duniam also noted that the bill extended the sunset date for the declared areas regime by three years, from 7 September 2027 until 7 September 2030.