Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment Bill 2026

Ms ROWLAND (Greenway—Attorney-General) (17:49): I thank my parliamentary colleagues for their contributions to the debate on this bill, the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment Bill 2026 . The Australian government's first priority is the safety of all Australians and protecting the values we all hold dear. This bill makes targeted amendments informed by operational experience to ensure Australia's counterterrorism powers remain available, effective and proportionate.

These changes are informed by the advice of law enforcement on their operational experience in responding to the current threat environment. The bill extends the sunset date for key counterterrorism frameworks. It streamlines and enhances frameworks for responding to high-risk terrorist offenders.

It strengthens the control-order framework and its application to young people and improves information-sharing provisions in the control-order and post-sentence-order frameworks. It also makes technical amendments to improve the framework for listing terrorist organisations. Finally, the amendments give effect to Australia's obligations under the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel.

The amendments in this bill are a proportionate and targeted response to the challenging terrorism threat environment facing Australia. The bill maintains and enhances critical counterterrorism powers and forms part of the government's continuing and holistic efforts to protect Australians from the threat of terrorism. We must stand in unity against that threat.

I look forward to support for this bill from across the parliament. Question agreed to. Bill read a second time.