Legal database - View: Extrinsic Materials: Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Foreign Fighters) Act 2014 - Revised Explanatory Memorandum - Extracts Only

View full document Previous section | Next section

Senate

Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Foreign Fighters) Bill 2014

Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Foreign Fighters) Act 2014

Revised Explanatory Memorandum - Extracts Only

Circulated by authority of the Attorney-General, Senator the Honourable George Brandis QC

THIS MEMORANDUM TAKES ACCOUNT OF AMENDMENTS MADE BY THE SENATE TO THE BILL AS INTRODUCED AND SUPERSEDES THE REPLACEMENT EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM TABLED IN THE SENATE

General outline

GENERAL OUTLINE

1. Australia faces a serious and ongoing terrorist threat. The escalating terrorist situation in Iraq and Syria poses an increasing threat to the security of all Australians both here and overseas. Existing legislation does not adequately address the domestic security threats posed by the return of Australians who have participated in foreign conflicts or undertaken training with extremist groups overseas ('foreign fighters').

2. This Bill provides a suite of measures which are specifically designed to strengthen and improve Australia's counter-terrorism legislative framework to respond to the foreign fighter threat. It will provide additional powers for security agencies to deal with the threat of terrorism within Australia and that posed by Australians who participate in terrorist activities overseas. It will further counter terrorism through improving border security measures and by cancelling welfare payments for persons involved in terrorism.

3. The Bill also implements those recommendations of the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor's (INSLM) second and fourth annual reports and the Final Report of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Review of Counter-Terrorism Legislation (the COAG Review) that will assist to address the most pressing gaps in our counter-terrorism framework.

4. The Bill was the subject of an inquiry by the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (the Committee), which reported on 17 October 2014. The Committee made 37 recommendations in relation to the Bill, including that the Bill be passed subject to the other recommendations being implemented. The Government accepted all of the Committee's recommendations and, on 29 October 2014, the Senate agreed to amendments implementing those recommendations that recommended changes to the Bill. In addition, the Senate agreed a technical amendment to the Migration Act 1958 (Migration Act) to correct an error that occurred late in the drafting of the Bill.

FINANCIAL IMPACT STATEMENT

5. The delayed notification search warrant scheme provides compensation if electronic equipment is damaged in the course of the execution of a warrant. However, this is anticipated to have minimal financial impacts on Government revenue.

Statement of compatibility with human rights

STATEMENT OF COMPATIBILITY WITH HUMAN RIGHTS

Prepared in accordance with Part 3 of the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011

Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Foreign Fighters) Bill 2014

6. This Bill is compatible with the human rights and freedoms recognised or declared in the international instruments listed in section 3 of the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011.

Overview of the Bill

7. The Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Foreign Fighters) Bill 2014 (the Bill) makes a range of amendments to a number of Acts, primarily the Crimes (Foreign Incursions and Recruitment) Act 1978, the Criminal Code Act 1995, the Crimes Act 1914, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation 1979, the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor Act 2010, the Intelligence Services Act 2001, the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979, the Australian Passports Act 2005, the Foreign Passports (Law Enforcement and Security) Act 2005, the Terrorism Insurance Act 2003, the Customs Act 1901, the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006, the Migration Act 1958, the Foreign Evidence Act 1994, the A New Tax System (Family Assistance) Act 1999, the Paid Parental Leave Act 2010, the Social Security Act 1991 and the Social Security (Administration) Act 1999. It also makes consequential amendments to the Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1977, the Sea Installations Act 1987, the National Health Security Act 2007, the Proceeds of Crime Act 2001, and the AusCheck Act 2007.

8. The Bill implements the Government's responses to the evolving national security landscape and in particular, the threat posed by Australians engaging in, and returning from, conflicts in foreign States. The latter category of persons, collectively referred to as 'foreign fighters', may have fought alongside listed terrorist organisations in overseas conflicts and return to Australia with enhanced terrorism capabilities and ideological commitment. This heightens the likelihood of the commission of terrorist acts on Australian soil.

9. The reforms introduce substantive changes to the criminal law regime in respect of terrorism offences. Cumulatively, they enhance the capabilities of Australia's law enforcement and intelligence agencies to respond proactively and effectively to the threats posed by foreign fighters to Australia and its national security interests.

10. These reforms, in part, draw on the work undertaken by various independent bodies. The INSLM has to date prepared four annual reports which have reviewed the operation, effectiveness and implications of Australia's counter-terrorism and national security legislation to ensure that it is operating effectively and appropriately. Of particular relevance for the purposes of the Bill are the recommendations made by the INSLM regarding the foreign fighter threat in his fourth annual report (released on 28 March 2014) and other specific recommendations contained in the second annual report (released on 20 December 2012). The Bill also builds upon the work of COAG which undertook a comprehensive review of Australia's counter-terrorism legislation. The COAG Review was tabled in Parliament by the Attorney-General on 14 March 2013.

11. The Bill incorporates amendments made following the consideration of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security's Advisory Report on the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Foreign Fighters) Bill 2014 (the Report of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security). Many of these amendments introduce additional accountability measures and further strengthen safeguards in relation to the provisions of the Bill.

Overview of measures

12. Outlined below is a brief summary of the substantive changes to each of the relevant Acts. Consequential and minor amendments which do not engage human rights have not been addressed in this section.

Schedule 1 - main counter-terrorism amendments

Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1977

13. The Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1977 (ADJR Act) is being amended to include decisions in respect of the suspension of Australian travel documents and 14-day seizure of foreign travel documents as decisions to which the Act does not apply.

Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006

14. The amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 (AML/CTF Act) include:

•: enhancing the ability of the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) to share information obtained under section 49, and
•: listing the Attorney-General's Department (AGD) as a 'designated agency' under section 5.

Crimes Act 1914

17. The amendments to the Crimes Act 1914 (Crimes Act) include:

•: introducing a delayed notification search warrant scheme for terrorism offences
•: extending the operation of the powers in relation to terrorist acts and terrorism offences in Part IAA, Division 3A until 7 September 2018
•: lowering the legal threshold for arrest of a person without a warrant for terrorism offences and the new 'advocating terrorism' offence to 'suspects on reasonable grounds'
•: amending the definition of 'terrorism offence' so that it applies to offences against Part 4 of the Charter of the United Nations Act 1945 (UN Charter Act), Part 5 to the extent that it relates to the Charter of the United Nations (Sanctions-Al Qaida) Regulations 2008, and offences against Subdivision B of Division 80 of the Criminal Code, and
•: amending the requirement regarding the power to obtain documents such that a person must comply with the notice on a day at least 14 days after the notice is given, or in appropriate circumstances, 3 days after the notice is given.

Criminal Code Act 1995

18. Amendments to the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Criminal Code Act) include:

•: limiting the defence of humanitarian aid for the offence of treason to instances where the person did the act for the sole purpose of providing humanitarian aid
•: creating a new offence of 'advocating terrorism'
•: authorising the Attorney-General to add, remove or alter the alias of a terrorist organisation by declaration, where the Attorney-General is satisfied that the alias or aliases are those of the listed terrorist organisation
•: amending the terrorist organisation listing provision to provide that the 'advocates' limb includes the promotion and encouragement of terrorist acts, in addition to praise of the doing of a terrorist act
•: amending the terrorist organisation training offences so that they include an offence of intentionally participating in training provided to or from a terrorist organisation
•: extending the control order regime in Division 104 until 7 September 2018
•: expanding the criteria for issuing control orders to apply to persons who have engaged in armed hostilities in a foreign State
•: expanding the criteria for issuing control orders to apply to persons convicted of a terrorism related offence in Australia or overseas (but only where conduct relevant to the foreign conviction would be a terrorism offence if engaged in in Australia)
•: amending the criteria for issuing control orders on the basis that a person has trained with or received training from a terrorist organisation to include participating in training provided to or from a terrorist organisation
•: amending the threshold for an Australian Federal Police (AFP) applicant to request a control order by amending the threshold in subparagraph 104.2(2)(a) to 'suspects on reasonable grounds'
•: introducing a requirement that an AFP member serving an interim control order must advise the person that appeal and review rights are available in relation to the order
•: including an indicative maximum curfew period of 12 hours within a 24 hour period for the control order condition to direct a person to remain at specified premises between specified times each day, or on specified days
•: extending the preventative detention order (PDO) regime in Division 105 until 7 September 2018
•: enabling applications for initial PDOs and prohibited contact orders to be made verbally and electronically in urgent circumstances
•: enabling PDOs to be made in respect of a person whose full name is not known, but who is able to be identified as the intended subject of the order
•: amending the issuing criteria for PDOs to make the state of mind of the AFP applicant 'suspect, on reasonable grounds' instead of 'reasonable grounds to suspect', and
•: amending the issuing criteria for PDOs such that a person must be satisfied that it is 'reasonably necessary' as opposed to 'necessary' to detain the subject to preserve evidence of, or relating to, the terrorist act.

Crimes (Foreign Incursions and Recruitment) Act 1978 and new Part 5.5 of the Criminal Code

19. The amendments to the Crimes (Foreign Incursions and Recruitment) Act 1978 (Foreign Incursions Act) and equivalent provisions in Part 5.5 of the Criminal Code include:

•: repealing the Foreign Incursions Act and re-enacting its provisions to Part 5.5 of the Criminal Code
•: amending the definition of 'recruit' to ensure consistency with Part 5.3 (Terrorism) of the Criminal Code
•: removing the requirement that the prosecution must prove that a person intended to engage in a hostile activity in a particular foreign country, rather than in any foreign country
•: aligning the penalties for foreign incursions offences with the penalties for terrorism offences under Part 5.3 of the Criminal Code
•: limiting the exception to the offence of preparing for an incursion into a foreign State to provide humanitarian aid to instances where the person did the act for the sole purpose of providing humanitarian aid
•: replacing the phrase 'engaging in armed hostilities in the foreign State' by inserting a cross-reference to the conduct contained in the definition of 'terrorist act' in section 100.1 of the Criminal Code and constraining it to conduct that would be a 'serious offence' if undertaken within Australia
•: aligning the wording in the foreign incursions regime regarding causing fear of suffering death or personal injury with the wording adopted in subsection 100.1(1) of the Criminal Code concerning intimidation of the public or a section of the public, and
•: creating a new offence of entering a 'declared area' in which a terrorist organisation is engaging in hostile activity.

Schedule 2 - Stopping welfare payments

A New Tax System (Family Assistance) Act 1999

26. A New Tax System (Family Assistance) Act 1999 (Family Assistance Act) is being amended to provide for the cancellation of family assistance for individuals on security grounds.

Schedule 3 - Customs' detention power

Customs Act 1901

29. The Customs Act 1901 (Customs Act) is being amended to overcome vulnerabilities in the detention power of Customs.

Schedule 6 - Identifying persons entering or leaving Australia through advanced passenger processing

Schedule 1 - main counter-terrorism amendments

Part 1 - Amendments

Crimes Act 1914

Section 3-definition of terrorism offence

83. The definition of 'terrorism offence' in section 3 will be expanded so that it applies to:

•: offences against Part 4 of the UN Charter Act and Part 5 of that Act insofar as it relates to the Charter of United Nations (Sanctions-Al Qaida) Regulations 2008
•: Part 5.5 of the Criminal Code, and
•: Subdivision B of Division 80 of the Criminal Code.

84. The importance of a consistent definition of terrorism offence, and the offences which should be included in such a definition, has been noted by the INSLM in his third and fourth annual reports. The practical implication of this amendment is that the provisions in the Crimes Act concerning regulating access to bail before conviction and the imposition of non-parole periods in sentencing of persons convicted of terrorism offences; search, information gathering and arrest powers affecting persons suspected of terrorism offences; the provisions for investigating terrorism offences and the questioning and detention of persons arrested for terrorism offences will consequently apply to the relevant UN Charter Act offences and Criminal Code offences captured by the definition.

85. Section 15AA regulates access to bail before conviction for persons charged with certain offences. Amending the definition of 'terrorism offence' will result in a broader range of offences being offences to which bail will not be granted except in exceptional circumstances. This amendment implements a recommendation from the INSLM's fourth annual report.

86. The amendment to the definition of 'terrorism offences' will also mean that subsection 19AG(1) in respect of non-parole periods applies to a broader range of offences. This will result in the court having to fix a non-parole period of at least three-quarters of the sentence. This amendment implements a recommendation from the INSLM's fourth annual report.

Freedom from arbitrary detention and arrest in Article 9 of the ICCPR

87. The amendment engages the limitation on the freedom from arbitrary detention under Article 9 of the ICCPR. In respect of the access to bail before conviction in section 15AA, the denial of bail in limited circumstances is in accordance with procedures that are established by law and cannot be considered arbitrary. The refusal to provide bail to a person charged with, or convicted of, a terrorism offence is intended to recognise the unique and serious threat posed to the Australian public by those alleged to have been involved in terrorism-related activities. The high risk presented by individuals charged with terrorism offences justifies a refusal to grant bail except in exceptional circumstances.

88. Section 15AA is sufficiently mindful of human rights obligations by facilitating the exercise of judicial discretion. Section 15AA recognises the importance of not providing a blanket presumption against bail, even in respect of terrorism offences. Accordingly, subsection 15AA(1) states that bail may still be granted where there are 'exceptional circumstances'. As such, this amendment does not indiscriminately deprive one of their right to freedom from arbitrary detention or arrest. It applies to serious offences such as terrorism and provides safeguards that demonstrate the measure is reasonable, necessary and proportionate in responding to the threat posed by those charged with terrorism offences.

89. The impact of this amendment on the non-parole periods regime may also engage the limitation on the freedom from arbitrary arrest or detention. However, the non-parole periods regime is established clearly by law and does not provide decision-makers with unfettered discretion such that the application of section 19AG could be considered inappropriate, unjust or unpredictable.

90. This amendment achieves the legitimate objective of protecting Australia and its national security interests. Non-parole periods are fixed only for serious crimes such as terrorism offences, treachery and offences against Divisions 80 (treason and urging violence) and 91 (offences relating to espionage and similar activities) of the Criminal Code. The policy rationale is that individuals convicted of terrorism offences should not be released into the community sooner than absolutely required on the basis they have committed serious offences that have endangered public safety.

91. This amendment does not infringe upon an individual's right to freedom from arbitrary detention or arrest. It is a reasonable, necessary and proportionate measure in responding to the continued threat presented by those who have committed serious terrorism related crimes.

Prohibition against the retrospective operation of criminal laws in Article 15 of the ICCPR

92. Article 15 of the ICCPR provides that a penalty heavier than the one that was applicable at the time when the criminal offence is committed cannot be imposed on a person. The application provision for this amendment provides that the amendments to the definition of terrorism offence in subsection 15AA (1) apply in relation to any terrorism offence, whether the offence occurs before, on or after commencement of this item.

93. The application provision will not impose a heavier penalty on a person who has committed such an offence before the commencement of the amendments and is convicted and sentenced after their commencement. The application provision does not allow for any increased maximum penalties, for example offences in new Part 5.5 of the Criminal Code, to apply retrospectively. Therefore penalties heavier than the one that was applicable at the time the criminal offence was committed cannot be imposed.

94. A person who has committed such an offence before the commencement of the amendments and is convicted and sentenced after their commencement will not be subject to heavier penalties but will be subject to a fixed non-parole period of at least three-quarters of the sentence. This amendment does not breach the prohibition against the retrospective operation of criminal laws as the penalty to be imposed cannot be heavier than the one that was applicable at the time.

Extending the operation of powers under Part IAA, Division 3A

95. Part IAA of Division 3A relates to police powers in respect of terrorist acts and terrorism offences. This Division is due to sunset on 15 December 2015. The COAG Review recommended that if the search and seizure powers were to be renewed, the sunset period should be five years, and the relevant legislation should (excepting the machinery provisions), cease to exist after this period. This Bill extends the operation of this Division until 7 September 2018. The sunset period has been extended in recognition of the fact that the terrorist threat remains an ongoing and real phenomenon. This amendment ensures that law enforcement agencies continue to have the necessary counter-terrorism powers to prevent and disrupt terrorist activity.

Right to freedom from arbitrary or unlawful interference with privacy in Article 17 of the ICCPR, right to security of the person in Article 9 of the ICCPR, right to freedom from cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment in Article 7 of the ICCPR and the CAT

96. To the extent that Part IAA, Division 3A relates to search and seize powers and entry into premises powers, the regime limits an individual's right to protection against arbitrary and unlawful interferences with privacy and their home. Lawful interference with the right to privacy will be permitted, provided it is not arbitrary.

97. The interference with the right to privacy is proportionate to and limited to the obtaining of relevant information in respect of terrorist acts and terrorism offences. The powers provided by the Division are subject to appropriate limitations which ensure that the use of power is reasonable and necessary. In respect of stopping and searching powers, a police officer may only use this power where a terrorism-related item is believed to be present. A terrorism-related item means a thing that the police officer conducting a search under section 3UD reasonably suspects may be used in a terrorist act, is connected with the preparation for, or the engagement of a person in a terrorist act or is evidence of, or relating to, a terrorist act (section 3UA).

98. In respect of the power of emergency entry into premises without a warrant, the power may only be exercised if the police officer 'suspects, on reasonable grounds' that a thing on the premises is being used in connection with a terrorism offence and that there is a 'serious and imminent threat to a person's life, health or safety' (subsection 3UEA(1)). Moreover, a condition of notification is required within 24 hours of entry to the occupier of the premises (subsection 3UEA(7)). A seizure notice must also be provided where items are seized under sections 3UE or 3UEA within 7 days after the day on which the thing was seized.

99. These measures ensure that any incursions into an individual's right to privacy are reasonable, necessary and proportionate. They require law enforcement officials to be satisfied of thresholds that mean that the powers cannot be used in an arbitrary fashion and that their level of intrusiveness is no more than necessary to achieve a legitimate objective. The legitimate objective advanced by Part IAA, Division 3A is to assist law enforcement officers prevent serious threats to Australia's national security interests. The potentially intrusive nature of the powers under Part IAA, Division 3A is balanced by its use in respect of only terrorism offences, which constitute the gravest threats to safety of Australians.

100. Article 9 of the ICCPR requires States to provide reasonable and appropriate measures, within the scope of those available to public authorities, to protect a person's physical security. Article 7 of the ICCPR guarantees that no one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. In carrying out a search under Division 3A a police officer must not use more force, or subject the person to greater indignity, than is reasonable and necessary to conduct the search. In conducting the search a person must not be detained for longer than is reasonably necessary. Moreover, the use of reasonable force is only in respect of terrorism offences and only considered a measure of last resort in order to conduct searches.

101. Accordingly, the right to security of the person is limited only to the extent that it is reasonable, necessary and proportionate to achieve the legitimate objectives of Division 3A of Part IAA.

Lowering of the arrest threshold

102. The Bill inserts a new section 3WA to provide that a constable may, without a warrant, arrest a person for a terrorism offence or an offence against section 80.2C of the Criminal Code where the constable 'suspects on reasonable grounds' that the person has committed or is committing a terrorism offence or an offence against section 80.2C and that proceedings by summons would not achieve one or more specified purposes. A constable means 'a member or special member of the Australian Federal Police or a member of the police force or police service of a State or Territory' (section 3 of the Crimes Act).

Freedom from arbitrary detention and arrest in Article 9 of the ICCPR

103. Article 9 of the ICCPR provides that no-one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention or deprived of their liberty except on such grounds and in accordance with such procedure as are established by law.

104. This amendment reduces the threshold for arrest in relation to terrorism offences to 'suspects on reasonable grounds'. This amendment to the threshold is established by law and the requirements for such an arrest are clearly outlined in section 3WA. Its use is appropriate, justifiable and sufficiently predictable in its operation as it does not confer unfettered discretion on a constable to utilise powers of arrest in an arbitrary manner.

105. The requirement of 'suspects on reasonable grounds' requires something more than 'a mere idle wondering' and must have a 'positive feeling of actual apprehension or mistrust, amounting to a 'slight opinion''. This indicates that arrest, even under the lower threshold of 'suspicion', is not arbitrary and clear legal standards exist around the necessary mental state required.

106. In his fourth annual report, the INSLM recommended the threshold of 'suspects', noting that the power has a proactive and preventative focus and is of use in a terrorism-related context. An arrest threshold based on suspicion is not a new concept in Australian law and is used in a number of Australian jurisdictions. The arrest threshold in the United Kingdom is 'reasonable grounds for suspecting', a position which is consistent with the European Convention on Human Rights. Lowering the arrest threshold will allow police to intervene and disrupt terrorist activities and the advocating of terrorism at an earlier point that would be possible where the threshold is 'reasonable grounds to believe'.

107. Accordingly, this amendment is a reasonable, necessary and proportionate measure in relation to offences that constitute grave threats to Australia and its national security interests.

Power to obtain documents

108. In order to enhance the efficacy of the power to obtain documents relating to serious terrorism offences in section 3ZQN, the INSLM recommended that an amendment be inserted to provide for compliance with the notice to produce the documents within 14 days. The INSLM considered that this would ensure the power operates as an effective investigatory power. This amendment also overcomes an anomaly where an individual is required to comply with a notice to produce documents within 14 days after the day on which the notice is given for serious non-terrorism offences, but for serious terrorism offences no such time limit is specified.

Right to freedom from arbitrary or unlawful interference with privacy in Article 17 of the ICCPR

109. Article 17 of the ICCPR provides that no-one shall be subjected to arbitrary or unlawful interference with their privacy, family, home or correspondence.

110. Section 3ZQN applies where an authorised AFP officer considers on reasonable grounds that a person has documents relevant to, and will assist, the investigation of a serious terrorism offence. The officer can give the person a written notice requiring the person to produce documents as soon as practicable covering the matters identified in section 3ZQP that are in the possession (or control) of the person. The types of matters covered in section 3ZQP include documents relating to bank accounts held, whether a specified person travelled or will travel between specified dates or specified locations, whether assets have been transferred to or from a specified persons between specified dates etc. These documents relate to matters that if disclosed could result in an infringement of the right to privacy.

111. Article 17 of the ICCPR accords everyone the right to protection against arbitrary or unlawful interference with their privacy, family, home or correspondence. Lawful interference with the right to privacy will be permitted provided it is not arbitrary and in accordance with the provisions, aims and objectives of the ICCPR and should be reasonable in the particular circumstances. This amendment requires individuals to provide personal documents. However, it is not arbitrary as it has been clearly prescribed by law and the power to obtain documents must be exercised in accordance with the requirements and safeguards contained in the section.

112. This amendment applies to serious terrorism offences which constitute a grave risk to Australia and its national security interests. The regime itself provides important safeguards which ensure the application of these powers are not arbitrary. The power to obtain documents can only be used when the authorised AFP officer considers on reasonable grounds that such documents will be relevant to, and will assist, the investigation of a serious terrorism offence. Furthermore, the only documents that can be obtained are those in the possession or under the control of the person. This amendment states that a notice to produce documents must specify the date by which a person must comply with the notice, being a day at least 14 days after giving the notice or in urgent circumstances, 3 days after the giving of the notice. This provides a reasonable time within which an individual can compile and provide the documents requested.

113. This amendment does not constitute an arbitrary or unlawful incursion into a person's right to privacy. To the extent that there is a restriction on an individual's right to privacy, there are number of important internal safeguards built into the regime to ensure any interference is reasonable, necessary and proportionate.

Delayed notification search warrants scheme for terrorism offences

114. Part IAAA will introduce a delayed notification search warrant (delayed notification search warrant) scheme into Part IAA of the Crimes Act. The existing search warrant provisions in Part IAA of the Crimes Act require the officer executing the warrant to provide a copy of the warrant to the occupier of the premises and allow them to observe the search. The amendments proposed by Part IAAA will enable the AFP (defined in this Part as the 'authorising agency') to conduct searches of a warrant premises without the occupier's knowledge and without notifying the occupier of the premises at the time the warrant is executed. Notice of the search will be required to be given to the occupier of a searched premise at a later date, generally within six months.

115. The delayed notification search warrant scheme will provide the AFP with warrant powers similar to those currently available under Part IAA, with the added ability to exercise those powers covertly. This includes the power to impersonate a person where reasonably necessary to execute the warrant. This is intended to be utilised to allay the suspicion of other residents of the area. In addition, the executing officer or a person assisting is empowered to leave a warrant premise temporarily and subsequently re-enter to continue the execution of the warrant in certain instances where, for example, the occupier returns home and the covert nature of the warrant is at risk. The executing officer or a person assisting is also able to enter the main premise via an adjoining premises, if this is expressly specified in the warrant, where it is required to avoid comprising the prevention or investigation of the relevant offences. This power is limited to accessing the warrant premise and does not allow for the search and seizure of things in that adjoining premise. Notice is to be given to the occupier of an adjoining premises entered to gain access to the main premise at a later date, generally within six months.

116. The ability of federal law enforcement officers to conduct a delayed notification search warrant is critical to enable covert investigation of terrorism offences. Operational experience has shown that the individuals and groups who commit such offences are highly resilient to other investigative methods and pose significant threats to the Australian community. The value of a adopting a delayed notification search warrant scheme for terrorism offences was also recognised in the INSLM's fourth annual report.

117. A delayed notification search warrant will only be used in limited operational situations and will be subject to a number of safeguards to balance the legitimate interests of the Commonwealth in preventing terrorism with the need to protect human rights.

Right to freedom from arbitrary or unlawful interference with privacy in Article 17 of the ICCPR, right to life in Article 6 of the ICCPR, right to freedom from cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment in Article 7 of the ICCPR and the CAT

118. Article 17 of the ICCPR accords everyone the right to protection against arbitrary or unlawful interference with their privacy, family, home or correspondence. Accordingly, lawful interference with the right to privacy will be permitted, provided it is not arbitrary. The term 'unlawful' means no interference can take place except in cases authorised by law. The use of the term 'arbitrary' means that any interference with privacy must be in accordance with the provisions, aims and objectives of the ICCPR and should be reasonable in the particular circumstances. The United Nations Human Rights Committee has interpreted 'reasonableness' to imply that any limitation must be proportionate and necessary in the circumstances.

119. The delayed notification search warrant scheme limits the right to privacy by enabling law enforcement officers to enter a warrant premises, including a suspect's home or place of work, without the knowledge or consent of the occupier. The limitation, however, serves the legitimate aim of assisting the AFP to effectively prevent or investigate Commonwealth terrorism offences. This is because allowing for an occupier to be notified of a search warrant sometime after the warrant was executed or otherwise granted provides the AFP with the opportunity to gather evidence, identify additional suspects and locate further relevant premises and evidence while keeping the existence of an ongoing investigation confidential.

120. Without this power, there is a risk, particularly in relation to terrorist organisations, that the occupier will alert his or her criminal associates to police interest in their activities and that evidence will be destroyed or removed, jeopardising the success of a law enforcement operation. A delayed notification search warrant will therefore provide the AFP with a significant tactical advantage, enabling AFP officers to conduct further investigations without a suspect being aware of their interest. This will achieve the legitimate objectives of increasing the opportunity for successful investigations of terrorism offences and enhancing the ability of the AFP to gather information about planned operations with a view to preventing a terrorism offence from being committed.

121. The delayed notification search warrant scheme will only be utilised in limited circumstances where it is reasonable and proportionate to do so and will be subject to a number of safeguards, including a two-step authorisation process, rigorous reporting requirements and oversight by the Commonwealth Ombudsman, to ensure that the powers cannot be used arbitrarily to limit an individual's right to privacy.

122. Part IAAA clearly identifies that the delayed notification search warrant may only be applied for and authorised in relation to Commonwealth terrorism offences, with a maximum penalty of imprisonment of seven years or more. This penalty threshold is consistent with that which applies to telecommunications interception warrants and is higher than the threshold for other Commonwealth covert schemes, such as surveillance devices and controlled operations, which are both available in respect of offences with maximum penalties of imprisonment of three years or more. Accordingly, a seven year threshold is considered to be sufficiently high for making an application for and issuing of a delayed notification search warrant, ensuring that these warrants will only be used in the investigation of the most serious terrorism offences.

123. Furthermore, an application for a delayed notification search warrant will be subject to a two-step authorisation process to ensure that a warrant is subject to prior scrutiny both internally by the AFP and by an independent person before it is authorised. An officer must first obtain internal authorisation from the Commissioner (or their delegate) of the AFP (defined in the Schedule as the 'chief officer'). If the AFP Commissioner authorises the application, the officer may then apply to an eligible issuing officer for approval. An eligible issuing officer includes a Judge of the Federal Court of Australia, or of the Supreme Court of a State or Territory, who consents to be nominated to act as an eligible Judge for this purpose. An eligible issuing officer also includes a Deputy President or a full-time senior member of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).

124. There is strong precedent in Commonwealth legislation for extending eligibility to act as an issuing officer for instruments relating to covert police powers to members of the AAT. AAT members are already eligible to act as issuing officers for the purposes of surveillance device warrants, telecommunications interception warrants, stored communication warrants, and for extending controlled operation authorisations. There are also strong operational reasons for including AAT members within the categories of eligible issuing officers for delayed notification search warrants to assist in urgent operational contexts, or where operations are being conducted in remote areas.

125. To issue the delayed notification search warrant, both the AFP Commissioner and the eligible issuing officer will need to be satisfied that:

•: there are reasonable grounds to suspect that one or more eligible offences have been, are being, are about to be or likely to be committed
•: entry to and search of the premises will substantially assist in the prevention of, or investigation into, those offences, and
•: there are reasonable grounds to believe that it is necessary for the entry and search of the premises to be conducted without the knowledge of any occupier of the premises.

126. In addition, the eligible issuing officer must have regard to a number of key factors, including:

•: the extent to which the exercise of the power under the warrant would assist the investigation into the offences to which the application for the warrant relates
•: the existence of alternative means of obtaining the evidence or information sought to be obtained
•: the extent to which the privacy of any person is likely to be affected
•: the nature and seriousness of the relevant offences to which the application for the warrant relates
•: any conditions to which the warrant should be subject
•: whether allowing entry to an adjoining premises is reasonably necessary, and
•: the outcome of any previous application in respect of the premises for a delayed notification search warrant or a search warrant under Division 2 of Part IAA of the Crimes Act, so far as this is known to the eligible issuing officer.

127. The above will ensure that a delayed notification search warrant is not authorised where it is not appropriate to do so, for example, where there would be a disproportionate impact on the occupier's privacy or there is a more appropriate means of obtaining the evidence or information sought.

128. The delayed notification search warrant that is issued must clearly specify, amongst other details: the name of the applicant; the address of the warrant premises; the offence to which the warrant relates; the kinds of things that may be searched for, seized, copied, photographed, recorded, marked, tagged, operated, printed, tested or sampled; whether the warrant authorises a thing to be placed in substitution for a thing seized under the warrant and whether the warrant authorises the re-entry of the warrant premises to return anything to the warrant premises, or to retrieve anything substituted at the warrant premises.

129. As a safeguard, section 2H of Subdivision C prohibits the making of false or misleading statement in an application for delayed notification search warrant with a penalty of imprisonment for two years.

130. Part IAAA also contains measures to ensure than an occupier receives notification that a warrant has been authorised and/or executed as soon as practicable without jeopardising the investigation. A delayed notification search warrant must be executed within 30 days of issue, with notice to be given within six months of execution. An extension of time may be granted on more than one occasion, provided that the extension is not by more than six months at a time and it does not cause notice of the search to be given more than 12 months after the date the warrant was issued. An extension beyond 12 months may be provided where the Minister has issued a certificate approving an application for extension and the issuing officer is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for granting such an extension. This recognises that, in limited circumstances, investigations may be lengthy and early notification would compromise operational outcomes. Each extension can be for no more than six months.

131. Part IAAA will also impose rigorous reporting requirements on executing officers and the AFP Commissioner, to ensure that delayed notification search warrant are authorised and executed in accordance with the provisions of Part IAAA. This includes requirements for executing officers to provide written reports to the AFP Commissioner as soon as practicable after the warrant is executed. The AFP Commissioner must also report on each delayed notification search warrant applied for and issued to the Minister each financial year, with the report to be tabled in Parliament within set time limits. The Ombudsman will be required to inspect the records of the AFP at least once every six months to determine the extent of compliance with the scheme. Accordingly, the AFP will be required to keep detailed records of all delayed notification search warrant that have been issued and/or applied for by that agency. The Ombudsman is given a range of powers to assist in its oversight role, including the power to enter agency premises and require staff members of the agency to provide further information as required. This reporting function would also include the power to comment on the annual report that the AFP would need to prepare on their use of these warrants, which must also be tabled. The Ombudsman will be required to give a written report on its inspections to the Minister at six monthly intervals, which must be tabled in both Houses of Parliament within set time limits.

132. Finally, evidence obtained under a delayed notification search warrant will be subject to the normal rules of criminal procedure (including evidential burdens and rules of admissibility under the Evidence Act 1995 (the Evidence Act)). Courts will retain their current discretion under the Evidence Act and the common law to admit or exclude any illegally or improperly obtained evidence if any of the provisions relating to the issue and execution of a delayed notification search warrant are not complied with.

133. A delayed notification search warrant may also authorise law enforcement officers to covertly enter neighbouring premises to gain access to target premises. Although the exercise of this power can limit the right to privacy of the occupiers of those premises, this power is necessary to assist Part IAAA in achieving its legitimate law enforcement aims and is subject to a number of safeguards which will ensure it is a reasonable and proportionate means of achieving these aims.

134. In particular, this power is limited to authorising entry onto neighbouring premises for the purpose of obtaining access to the target premises and cannot authorise the search of the neighbouring premises for evidence. Access to neighbouring premises will only be permissible where it is specifically authorised by the warrant, and will require the issuing officer considering the warrant application to be satisfied that entry to the neighbouring premises is reasonably necessary to avoid compromising the investigation. An occupier of the neighbouring premises will be required to be notified in the same manner as the occupier of the main premises, and law enforcement officers will be subject to the same reporting and oversight requirements in relation to the neighbouring premises as for target premises. As above, if any of these requirements are not complied with, the courts will retain their discretion under the Evidence Act to admit or exclude any illegally or improperly obtained evidence. Accordingly, although Part IAAA will impact the right to privacy, the limitation will be reasonable, necessary and proportionate to achieve the legitimate aim of improving the effectiveness of investigations of Commonwealth terrorism offences.

135. The power to seize and/or move items away from premises for examination and processing will also limit the right to privacy under Article 17. This power is intended to allow the AFP to deal more effectively with specific items, including electronic equipment such as laptop computers and smartphones, located during searches to support the legitimate purpose of investigating and preventing terrorism offences.

136. This power will remain subject to significant safeguards that ensure these powers are used in accordance with the right to protection against arbitrary and unlawful interference with privacy. This includes the threshold that, for a thing to be moved for examination or processing, the eligible officer must suspect on reasonable grounds that the thing contains or constitutes a thing that may be seized under the warrant and that it is significantly more practicable to do so having regard to the timeliness and cost of examining or processing the thing at another place and the availability of expert assistance. This item will be returned when the AFP Commissioner is satisfied that it is no longer required and, although unlikely, if there is any damage during this process, compensation will be available. For an item to be retained or forfeited, the eligible issuing officer, on application by an eligible officer from the AFP, would need to be satisfied that there are reasonable grounds to suspect that if the thing is returned to the owner, it is likely to be used in the commission of a terrorist act, offence, or a serious offence within the meaning of Part IAA. Details of those items seized and/or moved will be recorded as part of the delayed notification search warrant process and, in turn, in reports provided to the Ombudsman and to the Minister by the AFP.

137. Accordingly, to the extent that this power may affect a person's right to protection against arbitrary and unlawful interference with their privacy, these effects are reasonable, necessary and proportionate in achieving the intended outcome of Part IAAA.

138. Article 6(1) of the ICCPR guarantees every human being the inherent right to life, stating that no one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his or her life. Article 7 of the ICCPR guarantees that no one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. Part IAAA potentially engages these two rights by allowing for the use of force in the execution of delayed notification search warrant. Importantly, the power to use force against a person or a thing, whether at the main or adjoining premise, is limited to where necessary and reasonable in the circumstances.

139. It is not anticipated that any powers to use force against persons would be required to be exercised during the execution of a delayed notification search warrant. However, it is possible that an executing officer may be required to use force against persons or things in exceptional and unforeseen circumstances. For example, an officer may need to break a lock to access a compartment in a premises, or possibly restrain a person who unexpectedly enters onto premises and seeks to obstruct the execution of a delayed notification search warrant. Compensation is available for damage to electronic equipment where insufficient care was exercised in the operation of the equipment.

140. Additionally, the law enforcement officers that will be empowered to use force against a person under Part IAAA are trained and authorised to do so under AFP Act. Accordingly, any potential limitation on Article 6 or 7 of the ICCPR imposed by Part IAAA would be reasonable, necessary and proportionate.

141. Part IAAA is compatible with human rights as, to the extent that it may limit human rights, it serves a reasonable and proportionate means of achieving the legitimate objective of improving the ability of the AFP to prevent and investigate Commonwealth terrorism offences.

Criminal Code Act 1995

Humanitarian exception for treason

142. The Bill amends subsection 80.1AA(6) to alter the humanitarian aid defence so that it is applicable only where conduct is undertaken for the sole purpose of providing humanitarian aid. This reflects other humanitarian aid defences in paragraph 102.8(4)(c) and 390.3(6) of the Criminal Code. This ensures that the underlying policy objectives of the relevant offence is not compromised and that persons who engage in treasonous conduct cannot point to a single act, possibly part of a broader conduct, to enliven the defence. It will also ensure, in an appropriately limited manner, that humanitarian aid can continue to be used as a defence.

143. The human rights considerations set out below in respect of the humanitarian aid exception to foreign incursions offences will be equally applicable in this instance.

New offence of 'advocating terrorism'

144. The Bill introduces the offence 'advocating terrorism' in Subdivision C of Division 80 of the Criminal Code. A person commits an offence if they intentionally counsel, promote, encourage or urge the doing of a terrorist act or the commission of a terrorism offence and the person is reckless as to whether another person will engage in a terrorist act or commit a terrorist offence. 'Terrorist act' has the same meaning as in section 100.1 of the Criminal Code and 'terrorism offence' has the same meaning as in subsection 3(1) of the Crimes Act. The offence carries a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment.

Freedom of expression in Article 19(2) of the ICCPR, freedom from cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment in Article 7 of the ICCPR and CAT

145. Article 19(2) provides that everyone has the right to freedom of expression. However, Article 19(3) provides that the freedom of expression may be limited if it is necessary to achieve a legitimate purpose, such as it is necessary in the interests of national security. The restriction on free expression is justified on the basis that advocating the commission of a terrorist act or terrorism offence is conduct which jeopardises the security of Australia, the personal safety of its population and its national security interests. This is because of the severe nature of actions which are defined as 'terrorist acts' in section 100.1. Terrorist acts constitute the gravest threats to the welfare of Australians as they include causing serious physical harm or death, damaging property, creating a serious risk to the health or safety of the public and interfering with electronic systems. It is reasonable that such conduct should not be advocated and that reasonable steps should be taken to discourage behaviour that promotes such actions.

146. Importantly, deterring the advocating of such acts, which can at its most serious include causing a person's death, promotes the rights of others (in accordance with Article 19(3)(a)). In this instance, this may include protecting other people's right to life in Article 6 of the ICCPR.

147. These restrictions on freedom of expression are a reasonable, necessary and proportionate measure in order to protect the public from terrorist acts and the terrorism activities that the relevant terrorism offences are designed to deter. The new offence is an important tool to assist disrupting and preventing the threat posed by foreign fighters. Individuals who have travelled overseas to participate in foreign conflicts often return with radicalised ideologies that includes violent extremism. Advocating terrorism heightens the probability of terrorist acts or the commission of terrorism offences on Australian soil and encourages others to join the fight overseas. The criminalisation of behaviour which encourages terrorist acts or the commission of terrorism offences is a necessary preventative mechanism to limit the influence of those advocating violent extremism and radical ideologies.

148. The existence of a good faith defence in section 80.3 for the offence created by new section 80.2C provides an important safeguard against unreasonable and disproportionate limitations of a person's right to freedom of expression. The good faith defence ensures that the communication of particular ideas intended to encourage public debate are not criminalised by the new section 80.2C. In the context of matters that are likely to pose vexed questions and produce diverse opinion, the protection of free expression that attempts to lawfully procure change, points out matters producing ill-will or hostility between different groups and reports on matters of public interests is vital. The maintenance of the right to freedom of expression, including political communication, ensures that the new offence does not unduly limit discourse which is critical in a representative democracy.

149. This legislative safeguard, taken together with the ordinary rights common to criminal proceedings in Australian courts, provide certainty that human rights guarantees are not disproportionately limited in the pursuit of preventing terrorist acts or the commission of terrorism offences. Accordingly, the limitation on the right to freedom of expression resulting from the offence in new section 80.2C is reasonable, necessary and proportionate.

150. Article 7 of the ICCPR and CAT prohibits conduct which is regarded as cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. The maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment for the new offence is not so significant that it would constitute cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. The maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment is considered a proportionate response given the severity of the potential consequences of encouraging others to engage in terrorist acts or commit terrorism offences. The penalty implements a gradation consistent with established principles of Commonwealth criminal law policy, as documented in the Guide to Framing Commonwealth Offences, Infringement Notices and Enforcement Powers. The Guide suggests that the maximum penalty should aim to provide an effective deterrent to the commission of the offence, and should reflect the seriousness of the offence within the relevant legislative scheme.

151. Furthermore, the Guide provides that a heavier penalty is appropriate where the consequences of an offence are particularly dangerous or damaging. The penalty for the new offence reflects the gravity of the crime and addresses the significant national security threat presented by individuals who advocate the commission of terrorist acts or terrorism offences. Accordingly, the maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment is reasonable, necessary and appropriate and would not constitute cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

Definition of 'terrorist organisation'

152. Currently, 'advocates' the doing of a terrorist act is defined in section 102.1(1A) to mean:

a): the organisation directly or indirectly counsels or urges the doing of a terrorist act; or
b): the organisation directly or indirectly provides instruction on the doing of a terrorist act; or
c): the organisation directly praises the doing of a terrorist act in circumstances where there is a substantial risk that such praise might have the effect of leading a person (regardless of his or her age or any mental impairment that the person might suffer) to engage in a terrorist act.

153. The Bill amends the definition of 'advocates' in subsection 102.1(1A) to provide that the term includes promotes or encourages in addition to counsels or urges the doing of a terrorist act. The effect of this amendment is that where the Minister is satisfied on reasonable grounds that an organisation directly or indirectly counsels, promotes, encourages or urges the doing of a terrorist act the Governor-General may make a regulation listing the organisation as a terrorist organisation.

154. A further amendment to subsection 102.1(2) now states that a 'terrorist act' includes a reference to the doing of a terrorist act even if a terrorist act does not occur, a reference to the doing of a specific terrorist act and a reference to the doing of more than one terrorist act.

155. Human rights do not apply to organisations, only individuals. As this amendment does not impact an individual's freedom of expression, no human rights are engaged in this measure.

Aliases of terrorist organisations

156. This amendment allows the Attorney-General to make a declaration that an alias be added or omitted to a terrorist organisation which is specified by a regulation. The policy rationale for the amendment is to allow a terrorist organisation listing to be kept up-to-date where there are rapid changes to aliases or names by which an organisation is also known, provided that the Attorney-General remains satisfied that the alias is the same entity as the listed organisation. The fluidity with which terrorist organisations form, evolve or adopt new aliases has been recently illustrated in the case of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant which changed its name to Islamic State. The efficacy of the terrorist listing regime is dependent on its ability to react efficiently to these changes, especially where terrorist organisations adopt aliases but are otherwise the same entity. The INSLM's fourth annual report recommended the implementation of this measure. This amendment overcomes a practical difficulty in the terrorist listing regime and does not engage any human rights.

Intentionally participating in training provided to or from a terrorist organisation

157. Section 102.5 makes it an offence to intentionally provide training to, or intentionally receive training from a terrorist organisation where the person is reckless to the fact that the organisation is a terrorist organisation. This Bill expands the offence to apply to situations where a person participates in training with a terrorist organisation reckless to the fact that organisation is a terrorist organisation. This is designed to capture circumstances in which there are no formally defined teaching and learning roles in a training session, so that the individual participants are not readily identifiable as either providing or receiving training.

Right to freedom of association in Article 22 of the ICCPR

158. Article 22 of the ICCPR protects the right of all persons to group together voluntarily for a common goal and to form and join an organisation. Article 22(2) provides that this right may be limited for the purpose of national security. This amendment, and more broadly the terrorist organisation listing regime, limits the right of freedom of association to prevent people engaging with and participating in terrorist organisations. Terrorist organisations present a threat to the security of Australia and often seek to harm Australians and our democratic institutions. The statutory definition of a 'terrorist organisation' requires that these bodies directly or indirectly engage in, prepare, plan, assist in or foster the doing of a terrorist act which includes the causing of serious harm to persons or death and serious damage to property. Due to the severity of the danger posed by terrorist organisations, it is reasonable, necessary and proportionate to limit the right of individuals who by their association with a terrorist organisation pose a threat to Australians.

Retention of the control order regime in Division 104

159. The Bill extends the operation of the control order regime until 7 September 2018, following the expiration of the sunset period on 16 December 2015. This implements the Government's response to the COAG Review which recommended the retention of the control order regime with additional safeguards. The control order regime has been retained in recognition of the enduring nature of the terrorist threat and the importance of providing law enforcement agencies with the necessary tools to respond proactively to the evolving nature of the threat presented by those wishing to undertake terrorist acts against Australia.

160. The process through which a control order is obtained pursuant to Division 104 is:

•: a senior AFP member must seek the Attorney-General's consent to request an interim control order on one of two grounds (this Bill expands the number of grounds, which are discussed in greater detail below)
•: once the Attorney-General's consent has been granted, the senior AFP member may request a control order from an issuing court
•: the issuing court may only order an interim control order where it is satisfied on the balance of probabilities that making the order will satisfy the grounds on which the order is requested
•: the issuing court must also be satisfied on the balance of probabilities that each of the obligations, prohibitions and restrictions to be imposed on the subject of the order is reasonably necessary, and reasonably appropriate and adapted, for the purposes of protecting the public from a terrorist act
•: as soon as practicable (but at least 72 hours after) the issue of an interim control order, the AFP must decide whether to request the court to confirm the control order
•: upon hearing submissions by the AFP, the subject of the control order, his/her lawyer, or in some instances the Queensland public interest monitor, the court may declare the interim control order void, revoke it or confirm it
•: a confirmed control order may last for a period of up to 12 months from the date of the original interim control order, and
•: the AFP or the subject of the control order may request that the court revoke or vary a confirmed control order at any time after it is served upon a person.

161. Control orders are a protective mechanism and constitute an important element of the counter-terrorism strategy. They provide the AFP with a means to request that a court impose obligations, prohibitions and restrictions on a person for the purpose of protecting the public from a terrorist act. The control order regime has been used judiciously to date - at September 2014, two control orders have been issued. This reflects the policy intent that these orders do not act as a substitute for criminal proceedings. Rather they should only be invoked in limited circumstances and are subject to numerous legislative safeguards that preserve the fundamental human rights of a person subject to a control order.

162. The control order regime in Division 104 engages several human rights. Outlined below are the rights that will are likely to be engaged by the continuation of the control orders regime.

Freedom from arbitrary detention and arrest in Article 9 of the ICCPR, right to freedom of movement in Article 12 of the ICCPR, right to a fair trial in Article 14 of the ICCPR, freedom of association in Article 22 of the ICCPR, right to privacy in Article 17 of the ICCPR, right to respect for family in Articles 17 and 23 of the ICCPR, right to freedom of expression in Article 19(2) of the ICCPR, right to work under Article 6 of ICESCR

163. Article 12 of the ICCPR provides that persons lawfully within the territory of a State shall have the right to freedom of movement within that State. Among the restrictions that may be placed on an individual subject to a control order is that they may be restricted from being in specified areas or places (paragraph 104.5(3)(a)), they may be prohibited from leaving Australia (paragraph 104.5(3)(b)) and they may be required to remain at specified premises between specified times each day, or on specified days (paragraph 104.5(3)(c)). Freedom of movement can be permissibly limited if the limitations are provided by law and are necessary to achieve a legitimate purpose, such as protecting national security and public order.

164. The control order regime is comprehensively prescribed by legislation. A person subject to a control order will only have their right to freedom of movement restricted on grounds clearly established by domestic law and on grounds which are in accordance with the requirements of Division 104. As well as being authorised by law, the purpose of the control order regime is to protect the Australian public from a terrorist act. This is because the circumstances in which a control order may be sought, including the expanded grounds proposed by this Bill are: where the order would 'substantially assist in preventing a terrorist act', or where a person has been providing training to or receiving from or participating in training with a listed terrorist organisation, engaging in a hostile activity in a foreign country, been convicted of a terrorism offence in Australia or convicted overseas for an offence that would, if it occurred in Australia, be a terrorism offence within the definition in subsection 3(1) of the Crimes Act.

165. The restriction of freedom of movement must be reasonable, necessary and proportionate to achieving this objective. These requirements are reflected in the legislative framework of the control order regime. An issuing court may only issue a control order where 'the court is satisfied on the balance of probabilities that each of the obligations, prohibitions and restrictions to be imposed on the person by the order is reasonably necessary, and reasonably appropriate and adapted, for the purpose of protecting the public from a terrorist act' (paragraph 104.4(1)(d)). This ensures that the restrictions on freedom of movement caused by a control order are no greater than is required to protect the welfare of the Australian public. The gravity of consequences likely to be occasioned by a terrorist act justifies a reasonable and proportionate limitation of free movement.

166. Article 22 of the ICCPR provides that everyone shall have the right to freedom of association with others. The control order regime may limit this right to the extent that an express restriction may be placed on the subject of a control order that prevents them from associating or communicating with specified individuals (paragraph 104.5(3)(e)). This may also relevantly impact upon the right to respect for family in Articles 17 and 23 of the ICCPR where a restriction is placed on an individual's right to associate with their own family members.

167. However, Article 22(2) allows for permissible limitations on the freedom of association where it is to advance a legitimate objective, one of which is the interests of national security. Moreover, the proportionality of a restriction on association is maintained on the basis that the restriction on associating with certain individuals requires a degree of specificity about the individuals whom a subject of a control order may not associate with. The associations that are restricted are those that increase the likelihood of a terrorist act being committed by the subject of the control order.

168. Moreover, the overarching requirement that a court be satisfied that any restriction be 'reasonably necessary' and 'reasonably appropriate and adapted' to protecting the public from a terrorist act prevents indiscriminate and disproportionate intrusions into an individual's freedom of association. Further, in identifying the appropriate restriction, the court is also required to take into account the impact of the restriction on the person's circumstances (subsection 104.4(2)). This additional safeguard ensures that each restriction is tailored to the subject of the control order and that specific circumstances inform the appropriateness of a restriction.

169. In addition to the above, any restriction under paragraph 104.5(3)(e) that prevents a person communicating or associating with specified individuals is limited. Subsection 104.5(4) provides that the matters subsection 102.8(4) of the Criminal Code applies to paragraph 104.5(3)(e) in the same way as that subsection applies to section 102.8 and a person's association. The exceptions under subsection 102.8(4) include an association with a close family member relating to a matter of family or domestic concern, an association in a place used for public religious worship and takes place in the course of practising a religion, an association for the purposes of providing aid of a humanitarian nature or an association for the purpose of providing legal advice or legal representation in connection with certain proceedings as set out in subparagraphs 102.8(4)(d)(i) to (vi).

170. Accordingly, a restriction on the freedom of association is reasonable, necessary and proportionate.

171. Article 17 of the ICCPR provides that no one shall be subject to arbitrary or unlawful interference with their privacy. The collection, use and storage of personal information constitutes an interference with privacy. The control order regime limits the right to protection against arbitrary and unlawful interferences with privacy to the extent it can require the person to wear a tracking device (paragraph 104.5(3)(d)), require the person allow himself or herself to be photographed (paragraph 104.5(3)(j)) and allow impressions of a person's fingerprints to be taken (paragraph 104.5(3)(k)). These limitations on the right to privacy are justified on the basis they protect the public from a terrorist act. These obligations assist in advancing Australia's national security and ensure identification and enforcement of the control order. Photographs and impressions of fingerprints obtained under paragraphs 104.5(3)(j) and (k) are collected, stored and disclosed in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles (noting that there have been no control orders since the enactment of the Australian Privacy Principles) and section 104.22-treatment of photographs and impressions of fingerprints.

172. The procedures by which this restriction on privacy is permitted are authorised by law and not arbitrary. The operation of the control order regime is prescribed clearly in Division 104. The use of the term 'arbitrary' suggests that any interference to privacy must be in accordance with the provisions, aims and objectives of the ICCPR and should be reasonable, necessary and proportionate to achieving that objective.

173. Legislative safeguards within the control order regime in Division 104 operate so as to not limit the right to privacy beyond what is reasonable, necessary and proportionate. These include that the restrictions imposed by a control order must be 'reasonably necessary' and 'reasonably appropriate and adapted' for the purpose of protecting the public from a terrorist act. Further, a photograph or impression of fingerprints obtained from the subject of a control order must only be used for the purpose for which they were taken-ensuring identification and enforcement of the order (subsection 104.22(1)). Subsection 104.22(3) creates an offence where a person uses the photograph or impression of fingerprints in a manner inconsistent with the purposes of ensuring compliance with the control order. The offence carries a maximum penalty of imprisonment for two years. Furthermore, a photograph or impression of fingerprints obtained from the subject of a control order must be destroyed as soon as practicable after 12 months after the control order ceases to be in force (subsection 104.22(2)). These guarantees seek to minimise the level of interference with privacy and demonstrate an intention to permit interference only to the extent that it is reasonable, necessary and proportionate to achieve a legitimate end.

174. The right to freedom of expression in Article 19(2) of the ICCPR can be limited by the control order regime to the extent that the subject of a control order may be prohibited or restricted from accessing or using specified forms of telecommunications or other technology, including the internet (paragraph 104.5(3)(f)). This is in accordance with a legitimate purpose in Article 19(3) on the grounds of national security.

175. The restriction on freedom of expression is justified on the basis that certain ideas that advocate terrorist acts or promote extremist ideologies may jeopardise national security and the communication of such ideas may endanger the liberty and safety of others. The legislative requirement that all restrictions be 'reasonably necessary' and 'reasonably appropriate and adapted' to prevent the public from a terrorist act ensures that restrictions on the freedom of expression are no greater than what is reasonable, necessary and proportionate to achieving the legitimate objective.

176. Article 9 of the ICCPR provides that no-one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention or deprived of their liberty except on such grounds and in accordance with such procedure as are established by law. The impact of the control order regime on this right will be considered separately in respect of the amendment relating to the indicative maximum curfew.

177. Article 6 of ICESCR requires that State Parties must recognise the right to work, including the right of everyone to have the opportunity to gain their living by work which they freely choose or accept and take appropriate steps to safeguard this right. Article 4 of the ICESCR provides that States may only subject the rights contained in the Covenant to such limitations as are determined by law only in so far as this may be compatible with the nature of these rights and solely for the purpose of promoting the general welfare in a democratic society. The control order regime may limit this right to the extent it can authorise a prohibition or restriction on the person carrying out specified activities, including in respect of his or her work or occupation (paragraph 104.5(3)(h)).

178. The restriction on the right to work has been authorised by law and is subject to important legislative safeguards. Intrusions into the right to work at a place of choice are limited by the legislative requirement that the restriction be 'reasonably necessary and reasonably appropriate and adapted' to protect the public from a terrorist act. This clarifies that the restriction is an important part of achieving the objectives of the control order regime and that the impact on the rights of the individual subject to the control order is not greater than is necessary to achieve this objective. Of particular importance is the requirement that courts also turn their mind to the specific impact of a restriction on a person's circumstances, including the person's financial and personal circumstances. This ensures that any of the proposed restrictions on a subject of a control order cannot be characterised as disproportionate as they do not impose restrictions where they are not specifically needed.

179. More broadly, the control order regime is confined in its scope and its propensity for misuse by a range of legislative safeguards that protect the rights of the subject of a control order. For instance, the right to a fair trial and due process under Article 14 of the ICCPR is enhanced by:

•: the requirement that the control order only come into force when the individual is notified of it (section 104.12)
•: the subject's right to apply for the order to be varied, revoked or declared void as soon as they are notified that an order is confirmed (section 104.18)
•: the subject of the order and their lawyer's right to obtain a copy of the order outlining the reasons for the order (section 104.13), and
•: a court's ability to revoke or vary a confirmed control order on an application made under sections 104.18 or 104.19 (section 104.20).

180. In addition, the control order regime cannot be sought in respect of children under the age of 16. The regime operates in a modified fashion for persons between the age of 16 and 18. Finally, the reporting requirements placed upon the Attorney-General also provide an element of transparency by requiring Parliament to be kept abreast annually on the operation of the control orders regime (section 104.29).

181. The retention of the control order regime engages a variety of human rights. To the extent that such rights are limited, the restrictions are reasonable, necessary and proportionate to achieving the legitimate objective of protecting the public from a terrorist act and not compromising national security interests.

Attorney-General's consent to request an interim control order

182. The Bill amends the threshold for an AFP member seeking a control order under paragraph 104.2(2)(a) from 'considers' to 'suspects'. This amendment means that an AFP applicant can request the Attorney-General's consent for a control order based on a lower degree of certainty as to whether a control order would 'substantially assist in preventing a terrorist act'.

183. Nevertheless, the threshold of 'suspicion' requires:

more than a mere idle wondering whether it exists or not; it is a positive feeling of actual apprehension or mistrust, amounting to a "slight opinion", but without sufficient evidence...Consequently, a reason to suspect that a fact exists is more than a reason to consider or look into the possibility of its existence. (Kitto J in Queensland Bacon Pty Ltd v Rees (1966) 115 CLR 266 at 303 - quoted in George v Rockett (1990) 170 CLR 104).

184. The threshold of 'suspicion' is not so low as to allow a control order to be issued arbitrarily or capriciously.

185. The limitations on the human rights identified above, particularly regarding the freedom from arbitrary detention and arrest in Article 9 of the ICCPR, that are likely to flow from amending the threshold may be justified on the basis that the amendment seeks to achieve a legitimate objective, being the promotion of Australia's national security. The threat posed by individuals engaging in and returning from conflicts overseas is novel in its scale. The numbers of Australians now believed to be engaged in foreign conflicts presents a serious security threat to Australia. These individuals are politically or ideologically motivated and there is nothing in their beliefs that would suggest their motivations cease once they leave a foreign country and return to Australia. The amended threshold reflects the view that in the present threat environment, the restriction on the rights identified is justified given the heightened threat posed by foreign fighters.

186. Additionally, the important safeguards of ensuring the control order in fact protects the public from a terrorist act and that any restrictions are 'reasonably necessary, and appropriate and adapted' to this end ensure that the limitations on rights are no more than is reasonable, necessary and proportionate to achieving a legitimate objective.

187. However a person's rights under Article 9 are ultimately protected by section 104.4 and the fact that a court must apply a balance of probabilities test to the evidence produced in support of the issuance of a control order before deciding to issue one.

Requesting an interim control order

188. Paragraph 104.2(2)(b) will be amended to include the following changes:

•

expanding the limb to capture those participating in training with a listed terrorist organisations

•

expanding the limb to capture those engaged in hostile activity in a foreign country , and

•

expanding the limb to capture those:

•: convicted of a terrorism offence in Australia; or
•: convicted overseas for an offence that would, if it occurred in Australia, be a terrorism offence within the definition in subsection 3(1) of the Crimes Act.

189. The impact of these changes is to extend the instances in which a control order may be sought. They will, in particular, apply to those who are suspected of participating in training with terrorist organisations or those engaged in hostile activity in a foreign country. The risk posed by these individuals is that their association with terrorist organisations and engaging in a hostile activity in a foreign country provides them with enhanced capabilities to undertake terrorist acts on Australian soil upon their return. The nature of the restrictions imposed by control orders will be subject to the overarching legislative requirements that includes consideration by the issuing court that any limitation be 'reasonably necessary' and 'reasonably appropriate and adapted' to protecting the public from a terrorist act. As such, it is expected that any limitations will be reasonable, necessary and proportionate to achieve the legitimate objective of preventing those with enhanced terrorist capabilities (as a result of participating in training with terrorist organisations or having engaged in foreign conflicts) from committing terrorist acts on Australian soil.

190. section Article 14 of the ICCPR protects the right to a fair trial and in particular states that no one shall be punished for an offence for which they have already been fully convicted or acquitted in accordance with the law and penal procedure of each country. It may be contended that this right is infringed where control orders are applied to persons who have already been tried and punished for having committed a terrorism offence in Australia or an offence in a foreign country that would, if it occurred in Australia, be a terrorism offence. However, the application of control orders to such individuals is justifiable on two grounds. Firstly, those convicted of terrorism offences and sentenced to a term of imprisonment may not have satisfactorily rehabilitated and may show continued dangerousness. Upon their return into society, they may hold the type of radical political or ideological beliefs that previously inspired them. As such, they still pose a significant security threat to Australia and its national security interests. Secondly, the control order regime does not constitute a criminal penalty as is neither punitive nor retributive. Rather, the regime seeks to protect members of the public from the risk of terrorist acts by placing obligations, prohibitions and restrictions on the controlled person's involvement in activities. Accordingly, this amendment does not further punish those who have been convicted or acquitted in accordance with the law.

Indicative maximum curfew

191. Currently, paragraph 104.5(3)(c) does not indicate a length of time a person may be required to remain at specified premises between specified times each day, or on specified days as part of a control order restriction. The Bill introduces a maximum curfew of twelve hours within a 24-hour period.

Freedom from arbitrary detention and arrest in Article 9 of the ICCPR

192. Article 9 of the ICCPR provides that no-one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention or deprived of their liberty except on such grounds and in accordance with such procedure as are established by law. It may be contended that the duration of time for which a subject of a control order may be subjected to could result in a form of detention (by requiring an individual to be in one place for twelve hours).

193. However, the curfew period cannot in any sense be considered 'arbitrary'. The conditions of a restriction to remain within specified premises is established by and granted in accordance with the law. In determining whether a restriction on a person's movement for an extended period is acceptable, the issuing court must consider whether the restriction is 'reasonably necessary, and reasonably appropriate and adapted, for the purpose of protecting the public from a terrorist act' (paragraph104.4(1)(d)). Furthermore, the court must also take into account the impact of the restriction on the person's circumstances, including the person's financial and personal circumstances (subsection 104.4(2)). These remove the element of arbitrariness from an extended curfew and ensure that any limitations on an individual's rights are reasonable, necessary and proportionate.

Advising controlled persons of their rights

194. The amendment to paragraph 104.12(1)(b) requires that the AFP member inform the person that he or she has the following legal rights in relation to the interim control order: the right to appeal and review rights in relation to the decision of the issuing court, the person's right to attend court to confirm or declare or revoke the interim control order, the right of the person (or their representatives) to adduce evidence if the interim order is confirmed, the person's right to apply for a variation or revocation if the interim order is confirmed and the person's right (or their representative) to adduce evidence in relation to an application to revoke or vary the control order if it is confirmed. This amendment is supported by the views expressed by the COAG Review in its report on Australia's counter-terrorism legislation.

Right to a fair trial in Article 14 of the ICCPR

195. The subject of a control order has his or her right to a fair trial under Article 14 of the ICCPR promoted by this amendment. The subject of the control order is given the opportunity to be fully alerted of their rights under the control order regime and of the appropriate means of appeal should he or she wish to challenge the application of the control order. The subject of a control order is appropriately informed of the procedures that will allow him or her to protect their own rights, including adducing evidence to support the variation or revocation of a confirmed control order. These measures cumulatively promote an individual's right to a fair trial.

Retention of the preventative detention order regime in Division 105

196. The Bill extends the operation of the PDO regime until 7 September 2018, following the expiration of the sunset period on 16 December 2015. This amendment is intended to recognise the enduring nature of the terrorist threat and the importance of ensuring that law enforcement agencies have the necessary preventative tools to counter imminent and severe national security threats.

197. The key elements of the PDO regime pursuant to Division 105 are:

•: the AFP applicant and the issuing authority must be satisfied of three matters: the terrorist act is imminent (within the next 14 days), the making of the order would 'substantially assist in preventing a terrorist act occurring' and detaining a person is reasonably necessary to prevent a terrorist act occurring
•: there is a limited duration for which a PDO operates, being a maximum of 48 hours with the requirement to seek the approval of an issuing authority for an extension beyond the initial 24 hours
•: where a PDO is made on an evidence preservation basis, the AFP member and issuing authority must be satisfied that a terrorist act has occurred within the last 28 days, that it is necessary to detain the person to preserve evidence of, or relating to the terrorist act, and that detention is a reasonably necessary step in achieving this outcome
•: an AFP member may apply to an issuing authority for a continued PDO. The issuing authority may authorise a continued PDO after considering afresh the merits of any application and whether the statutory criteria for the order being made is satisfied. The period of time of detention, including any initial periods, must not be greater than 48 hours
•: a prohibited contact order may be sought where it is reasonably necessary to prevent serious harm to a person, to avoid a risk of action being taken to prevent the occurrence of a terrorist act, and to avoid other specified risks, and
•: the key review mechanisms include: the detainee's right to apply, on expiration of the order, to the Security Appeals Divisions of the AAT to seek merits review of the decision to make or extend an order; the detainee's right to bring proceedings in a court on expiration of the order relating to the issuing of the order or their treatment in detention; or limited right to review of a Commonwealth order on grounds available in reviews of state and territory orders.

198. The PDO regime engages several human rights. The restriction on human rights resulting from the continuation of the PDO regime are justifiable on the basis they are in pursuit of achieving a legitimate objective-being the detention of individuals where there are reasonable grounds to suspect they will engage in a terrorist act, possess a thing connected with engaging or preparing for a terrorist act, have done an act in preparation for or planning a terrorist act; or it is necessary to detain the person to preserve evidence relating to a recent terrorist act. To the extent that particular rights have been limited, such limitations are reasonable, necessary and proportionate to achieving this legitimate objective. Outlined below are the human rights implications.

Freedom from arbitrary detention and arrest in Article 9 of the ICCPR, freedom of movement in Article 12 of the ICCPR and right to a fair trial in Article 14 of the ICCPR, right to be treated with humanity and dignity under Article 10 of the ICCPR, freedom from cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment in Article 7 of the ICCPR and CAT

199. Article 9 of the ICCPR provides that no-one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention or deprived of their liberty except on such grounds and in accordance with such procedure as are established by law. That means a person can only be subject to a PDO where the grounds for such an order are clearly established in domestic law. The law itself should not be arbitrary and must not be enforced in an arbitrary manner. This means that detention must not only be lawful, but reasonable and necessary in all the circumstances.

200. The PDO regime is not arbitrary as its operation is governed by the legislative framework in Division 105. This ensures that it is only applied for the purposes of preventing an imminent terrorist act occurring or to preserve evidence of, or relating to, a recent terrorist act. The resulting detention from a PDO achieves the legitimate objective of protecting Australia and its national security interests. This is attained by preventing a crime occurring or to preventing interference with evidence relating to a terrorist act. In practice, the AFP has not yet had to rely on the use of a PDO, demonstrating the fact that the PDO regime has not been applied arbitrarily and inappropriately. It is aptly considered an avenue of last resort and only to be applied in the most severe of circumstances. Accordingly, the PDO regime cannot be said to infringe upon an individual's freedom from arbitrary detention or arrest.

201. Article 12 of the ICCPR provides the right to freedom of movement. The legitimate aim to be pursued by limiting the freedom of movement in respect of PDO is the prevention of an imminent terrorist act or the preservation of evidence relating to a recent terrorist act. Nevertheless, the means through which a legitimate objective is achieved must be reasonable, necessary and proportionate.

202. The PDO regime provides sufficient protection against unreasonable and disproportionate limitations of an individual's right to freedom of movement. This is evidenced by the high threshold required to be satisfied when applying for and issuing a PDO. The application for a PDO requires that an AFP member must be satisfied on 'reasonable grounds' that the suspect will engage in a terrorist act, possess a thing related to or done an act in preparation for or planning a terrorist act (paragraph 105.4(4)(a)). Even if this is satisfied, an AFP member must still demonstrate that the PDO will 'substantially assist in preventing a terrorist act occurring' and demonstrate that detention is 'reasonably necessary' for the purpose of preventing a terrorist act (paragraphs 105.4(4)(b) and (c)). Similar requirements exist in respect of application for a PDO for the preservation of evidence of, or relating to, the terrorist act (subsection 105.4(6)). A continued PDO under section 105.12 requires the issuing authority to consider the merits of the application afresh prior to issuing a continued PDO. Each of these requirements limits the instances under which a PDO may be sought and demonstrates that a PDO is applied only when reasonable, necessary and proportionate.

203. Article 17 of the ICCPR provides that no one shall be subject to arbitrary or unlawful interference with their privacy. The PDO regime limits such a right where it allows a police officer by force to take identification material from a person if the police officer believes on reasonable grounds that it is necessary to do so for the purpose of confirming the person's identity as the person specified in the PDO. The restriction on the right to privacy is articulated clearly in section 105.43 and not in any relevant sense arbitrary. Further, identification of a PDO subject is a legitimate objective. The failure to properly identify the intended subject of the PDO could result in the wrong individual being subject to detention. This is a risk that can be reasonably mitigated by limited incursions into one's right to privacy. Any material obtained must be destroyed as soon as practicable after the end of that period. Accordingly, the restriction on the right to privacy is not arbitrary and is a reasonable, necessary and proportionate measure.

204. The PDO regime has important legislative safeguards which preserve a variety of human rights. For instance:

•: Article 7 of the ICCPR and the CAT prohibit conduct which may be considered cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. Article 10 of the ICCPR provides that all persons deprived of their liberty shall be treated with humanity and with respect for the inherent dignity of the person. These rights are protected by section 105.33 which guarantee that a person detained must be treated with humanity and not be subjected to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. A contravention is an offence under section 105.45 which results in two years' imprisonment.
•: Article 37(3) of the CRC guarantees that a child who is deprived of his or her liberty shall be separated from adults unless it is in a child's best interest not to do so. Section 105.33A guarantees this right and creates an offence where a senior AFP officer fails to do so.
•: Article 37(3) of the CRC also protects the rights of the child to maintain contact with his or her family through correspondence and visits, except in exceptional circumstances. Section 105.39 protects the right of a child to have contact with a parent or guardian for a period of two hours a day or such longer period as specified in the PDO (subsection 105.39(5)).
•: Article 14 of the ICCPR provides fair trial rights and minimum guarantees in criminal proceedings. The PDO regime requires that an AFP member advise the person detained under the order of particular matters about the regime, including their right to make representations before a senior AFP member, to contact a lawyer and family members and to make complaints to the Commonwealth Ombudsman. The availability of an interpreter to communicate certain obligatory matters is covered by section 105.5A and further enhances a person's rights under Article 14.

205. The enduring nature of the terrorist threat and the heightened risk posed by returning foreign fighters justifies the continued existence of the PDO regime. In the evolving terrorism landscape, it remains an appropriate preventative mechanism in rare situations where immediate and preventative action is required by Australia's law enforcement agencies.

State of mind of an AFP member-issuing criteria

206. Currently, the issuing and application criteria for a PDO require that the AFP member and the issuing authority be satisfied of the matters in subsections 105.4(4) and 105.4(6). Accordingly, paragraph 105.4(4)(a) requires that both the applicant and the issuing authority must hold the same state of mind in relation to the existence of the matters set out in subparagraphs (i)-(iii). This amendment prescribes a different state of mind for the AFP member who is now required to 'suspect, on reasonable grounds' of one of the matters set out in subparagraphs (i)-(iii). This produces a dual subjective-objective requirement, as opposed to the formerly objective requirement.

Freedom from arbitrary detention and arrest in Article 9 of the ICCPR

207. This amendment engages the right to freedom from arbitrary arrest or detention in Article 9 of the ICCPR. It is unlikely that this amendment could be considered 'arbitrary' in any sense as it is clearly articulated in section 105.4 and accordingly, established by law. Despite amending the threshold for an AFP applicant, an important safeguard that remains unchanged is the state of mind required of the issuing authority under section 105.4. Furthermore, the existing safeguards within the PDO regime ensure that the operation of a PDO is not arbitrary and occurs for no longer than is necessary to prevent imminent threats to Australia's national security.

Evidence preservation orders-issuing criteria

208. The Bill provides that a PDO may be sought where it is 'reasonably necessary' to preserve evidence of, or relating to, the terrorist act. The amendment was proposed by the INSLM who considered that from a practical perspective, the 'necessary' requirement alone would prove a difficult threshold to be satisfied of, effectively requiring satisfaction that the destruction or loss of evidence will occur.

Freedom from arbitrary detention and arrest in Article 9 of the ICCPR

209. This amendment does not 'arbitrarily' deny an individual their right to freedom from detention and arrest as it is clearly articulated in section 105.4 and accordingly, established by law. Its operation is clear and appropriate and justifiable on the basis that it seeks to achieve a legitimate objective. The legitimate objective in this instance is to allow the AFP to more effectively investigate and gather evidence of, or relating to, terrorist acts. The obtaining of vital evidence assists in the prosecution of those engaging in terrorist acts and provides a strong deterrent for others who may wish to undertake such acts.

Verbal and electronic applications in urgent circumstances

210. The Bill provides for the making and issuing of an initial and extended PDO on an urgent basis by electronic or verbal means. The measure similarly provides for the making and issuing of a prohibited contact order on an urgent basis by electronic means. A new provision will also be included to clarify that an urgent prohibited contact order may be sought in parallel with an application for an urgent initial PDO by electronic means. Urgent application will be permissible only if a senior AFP member considers that it is necessary because of specific urgent circumstances. This amendment does not engage any human rights.

Application of PDO where an individual's full name is not known

211. The Bill will allow a senior AFP member to make an initial PDO by reference to an alias or a description sufficient to identify the person only if after reasonable inquiries have been made and the person's true or full name is not known.

Freedom from arbitrary detention and arrest in Article 9 of the ICCPR

212. This amendment does not 'arbitrarily' deny an individual their right to freedom from detention and arrest as it is clearly articulated in section 105.4 and accordingly, established by law. This expansion of the breadth of operation of the PDO regime does not provide decision-makers with unfettered discretion regarding when a PDO will apply.

213. Furthermore, the limitation is justified on the basis that the PDO is applicable only to prevent imminent terrorist acts or to preserve evidence of, or relating to, a terrorist act. These acts pose a threat to Australia and its national security interests. The failure of law enforcement agencies to act proactively and efficiently to prevent such threats could result in threats to the safety of others. The legitimacy of the amendment is further supported by the fact that law enforcement officials will still need to be able to identify the individual who is to be the subject of a PDO to a reasonable level of certainty, for instance, by knowing the individual's identity through a partial name or alias. Given the grave consequences of a failure to prevent imminent terrorist acts, the allowing of a PDO to be issued for individuals whose full names are not known is a reasonable, necessary and proportionate response.

New Part 5.5 (Foreign incursions and recruitment) of the Criminal Code

214. These amendments flow from the repeal of the Foreign Incursions Act and the transfer of its contents to new Part 5.5 of the Criminal Code.

Amendment of the definition of 'recruit'

215. New subsection 117.1(1) of Part 5.5 of the Criminal Code will amend the definition of 'recruit' from 'procure, induce and incite' in subsection 3(1) of the Foreign Incursions Act so that it is consistent with Part 5.3 (Terrorism) of the Criminal Code, being 'induce, incite and encourage'. This amendment will modernise the definition used in relation to foreign incursion and recruitment offences and provide clarity and consistency in relation to the definition of 'recruit' in the Criminal Code. The new definition will include 'encourage' which is not novel as the definition of 'incite' in the Foreign Incursions Act includes 'encourage'. 'Incite' was separately defined in the Foreign Incursions Act as including 'urge, aid and encourage and also includes print or publish any writing that incites, urges, aids or encourages'. On this basis, it is a largely technical amendment.

Right to freedom of expression in Article 19 of the ICCPR

216. Article 19(2) of the ICCPR provides that everyone has the right to freedom of expression, including the freedom to impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art or through any other media. This includes the freedom to receive and impart information. Article 19(3) provides that this right may be subject to certain restrictions that are established by law and are necessary for the protection of national security.

217. Amending the definition of 'recruit' in relation to foreign incursions, while already an offence, may operate to restrict the free expression of ideas where the expression involves recruiting persons to join organisations acting against the governments of foreign countries or to serve in or with an armed force in a foreign country. Recruiting for a terrorist organisation, including encouraging a person to join, is already a criminal offence under the Criminal Code. Permissibly limiting freedom of expression to prevent individuals undertaking this type of behaviour, in particular, from recruiting individuals to join organisations engaged in hostile activities against foreign governments, is necessary to protect national security by assisting in preventing the recruitment of individuals to take part in violent conflicts overseas.

218. Statistics indicate that a significant number of Australians have already been recruited in Australia and are engaged as foreign fighters in conflicts in Syria and Iraq. When these individuals return to Australia, they often possess enhanced capabilities to undertake terrorist and other acts that could threaten the Australian Government and people in Australia. On this basis, to the extent that amending the definition of 'recruit' engages and limits the right to freedom of expression, such a limitation is necessary in the interests of Australia's national security. It is a reasonable and proportionate measure to discourage the recruitment of Australians in Australia from partaking in foreign conflicts, particularly where terrorist organisations are involved.

Definition of 'engages in a hostile activity'

219. The previously undefined phrase 'engaging in armed hostilities in a foreign State' within the definition of 'engaging in a hostile activity' at paragraph 6(3)(aa) of the Foreign Incursions Act has been substituted with a cross-reference to the conduct contained in the definition of 'terrorist act' in section 100.1 of the Criminal Code and constrained to conduct that would be considered to be a 'serious offence' if undertaken within Australia. 'Serious offence' is separately defined as an offence against a law of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory that is punishable by imprisonment for 2 years or more. This is intended to ensure that a narrow interpretation of impermissible conduct overseas under the foreign incursions regime is not adopted. Accordingly, the broader definition of what amounts to engaging in a hostile activity ensures that conduct, which at its most serious could result in another person's death, is appropriately deterred. This amendment is a technical amendment to provide clarity and does not engage any human rights.

Including 'a section of the public' to align with the Criminal Code

220. The Bill amends subparagraph 6(3)(b) of the Foreign Incursions Act (new subsection 117.1(1) in the Criminal Code) to insert the text 'the public, or a section of the public, in the foreign State' to ensure that conduct otherwise criminalised under the foreign incursions regime, but directed at causing by force or violence a small minority group in a foreign State to be in fear of suffering or death or personal injury, is not excluded.

221. This amendment is consistent with the objectives of the foreign incursions regime and also ensures consistency with the wording of the provisions in section 100.1 of the Criminal Code concerning intimidation of the public or a section of the public. This is consistent with the INSLM's recommendation in the fourth annual report. This amendment is a minor measure and technical in nature and, consequently, does not engage any human rights.

Offences of incursions into foreign countries with the intention to engage in hostile activities

222. New section 119.1 of Part 5.5 of the Criminal Code will replace section 6 of the Foreign Incursions Act. This section was drafted to criminalise engaging in a hostile activity in a foreign country or entering a foreign country with the intent to engage in a hostile activity in that foreign country. The INSLM's fourth annual report and the COAG Review both highlighted that in order to overcome the practical difficulties of proving a particular foreign country was the target destination, the section should be amended to remove the need to prove an intention to engage in hostile activity in a particular foreign country. This will enable intervention by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions at an 'appropriately preparatory stage' where an individual may be contemplating undertaking incursions in various theatres of violence, but plans to travel to a third country to obtain training, materials or guidance as to his or her ultimate destination. It will also capture a situation where a person enters a foreign country without the intention to engage in hostile activity and then forms an intention to engage in hostile activity in that country.

Right to a fair trial in Article 14 of the ICCPR

223. Article 14 of the ICCPR provides that, in the determination of any criminal charge against a person, that person shall be entitled to a fair and public hearing by a competent, independent and impartial tribunal established by law. Article 14 also contains a range of minimum guarantees in criminal proceedings. The amendment addresses practical difficulties that have arisen in prosecuting persons and will enable a broader range of conduct to be captured under the offence provisions. In this regard, the amendment engages the right to a fair trial. However, the inherent safeguards guaranteed by Australian court proceedings and the requirement on the prosecution to discharge the burden of proof by having to make out all the elements of an offence mean that a defendant's right to receive a fair trial has not been limited as a result of this amendment. The new section 119.1 will not apply retrospectively.

Alignment of penalty provisions with the Criminal Code

224. As part of the alignment of the Foreign Incursions Act to the existing provisions of the Criminal Code, the offences under sections 6, 7 and 8 of the CFIRA will be made consistent with the reflecting Criminal Code offences. Accordingly, offences against section 6 of the Foreign Incursions Act (now subsection 119.1(1)) will align with the terrorist act offence at section 101.1 of the Criminal Code with the penalty increased from a maximum period of 20 years' imprisonment to life imprisonment. Offences for preparation for incursions into a foreign country in section 7 of the Foreign Incursions Act (now subsection 119.4(1)) will align the terrorist act preparation offence at section 101.6 of the Criminal Code with the penalty increased from a maximum period of ten years' imprisonment to life imprisonment. Finally, offences of recruitment for foreign incursions in section 8 of the Foreign Incursions Act (now section 119.6) will align with the terrorist organisation recruitment offence at subsection 102.4(1) of the Criminal Code with the penalty increased from a maximum period of seven years' imprisonment to 25 years' imprisonment. These amendments will not operate retrospectively.

Right to freedom from cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment in Article 7 of the ICCPR and the CAT, right to freedom from arbitrary detention in Article 9 of the ICCPR

225. Article 7 of the ICCPR and the CAT prohibit conduct which may be considered cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment ('ill treatment') and can be either physical or mental. The United Nations treaty bodies responsible for overseeing the implementation of these treaties have provided guidance on the sort of treatment that is prohibited. Examples of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment include unduly prolonged detention that causes mental harm. Punishment may be regarded as degrading if, for instance, it entails a degree of humiliation beyond the level usually involved in punishment. These rights are absolute and cannot be limited in any way. Relatedly, Article 9 of the ICCPR provides that no-one shall be subjected to arbitrary detention or deprived of their liberty except on such grounds and in accordance with such procedure as are established by law.

226. The increased penalties for foreign incursion and recruitment offences are proportionate and reflect the gravity of these offences. Australians engaged in foreign conflicts act to destabilise foreign governments and may be involved in the perpetration of violence, which at its most serious could involve unlawful death or an intention to cause unlawful death. Moreover, those returning from foreign conflicts to Australia may have enhanced capabilities which may be employed to facilitate terrorist or other acts in Australia. To this extent, the penalty provisions reflect the seriousness of the offences and the threat posed to the national security of Australia and people in Australia.

227. Persons charged with these offences will have a fair trial in accordance with Article 14 of the ICCPR. If a person is convicted of one of these offences, the presiding judicial officer will have discretion to impose a penalty that reflects the gravity of the offence taking into account the nature of the conduct and the particular circumstances of the person. Furthermore, the periods of imprisonment do not impose mandatory minimum periods of imprisonment. If convicted, defendants will be sentenced to imprisonment in a State or Territory facility and will not be treated any differently to other prisoners.

228. The penalties are also consistent with the established principles of Commonwealth criminal law policy as set out in the Guide to Framing Commonwealth Offences, Infringement Notices and Enforcement Powers by imposing heavier penalties where the consequences of the offence are particularly dangerous or damaging. Accordingly, the increased penalties are proportionate to the seriousness of the offences and will not result in the imposition of periods of imprisonment that would constitute cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

New offence of entering, or remaining in a 'declared area'

229. A new offence will provide that a person commits an offence if the person enters, or remains in, an area in a foreign country and that area is an area declared by the Foreign Affairs Minister. The offence will not operate retrospectively. An area will be declared where the Foreign Affairs Minister is satisfied that a terrorist organisation listed under the Criminal Code is engaging in a hostile activity in that area of the foreign country. A declaration may cover areas in two or more countries if the Minister is satisfied that a listed terrorist organisation is engaging in a hostile activity in each of those areas or throughout the country.

230. The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security will be able to review any declaration of an area made by the Foreign Affairs Minister before the end of the disallowance period. This additional safeguard ensures appropriate oversight of the declaration process.

231. This offence will not prevent a person from travelling overseas, including to a declared area, for a legitimate purpose or purposes. An individual suspected of entering, or remaining in, a declared area can rely on the offence-specific defence by pointing to evidence of their sole legitimate purpose or purposes for entering, or remaining in, the area. Consistent with the normal rules for criminal prosecutions, the prosecution will then be required to prove that the person was not in the declared area solely for that purpose or purposes beyond reasonable doubt.

232. New subsection 119.2(3) provides that the following conduct will be classed as a legitimate purpose for the purposes of the offence:

a): providing aid of a humanitarian nature;
b): satisfying an obligation to appear before a court or other body exercising judicial power;
c): performing an official duty for the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory;
d): performing an official duty for the government of a foreign country or the government of part of a foreign country (including service in the armed forces of the government of a foreign country), where that performance would not be a violation of the law of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory;
e): performing an official duty for the United Nations or an agency of the United Nations;
f): making a news report of events in the area, where the person is working in a professional capacity as a journalist or is assisting another person working in a professional capacity as a journalist;
g): making a bona fide visit to a family member;
h): any other purpose prescribed by the regulations.

233. The ability to prescribe other purposes under regulations is an important safeguard in the event other purposes that should be covered by the defence emerge over time. A note at the end of section 119.2 provides that sections 10.1 and 10.3 of the Criminal Code also provide exceptions to subsection 119.2(1) relating to intervening conduct or event and sudden and extraordinary emergency respectively.

234. The legitimate objective of the new offence is to deter Australians from travelling to areas where listed terrorist organisations are engaged in a hostile activity unless they have a legitimate purpose to do so. People who enter, or remain in, a declared area will put their own personal safety at risk. Those that travel to a declared area without a sole legitimate purpose or purposes might engage in a hostile activity with a listed terrorist organisation. These people may return from a declared area with enhanced capabilities which may be employed to facilitate terrorist or other acts in Australia. The new offence will enable the prosecution of people who intentionally enter an area in a foreign country where they know, or are aware of a substantial risk, that the Australian Government has determined that terrorist organisations are engaging in a hostile activity and the person is not able to demonstrate a sole legitimate purpose or purposes for entering, or remaining in, the area. The maximum penalty for this offence is ten years' imprisonment. Reflective of the heightened threat to Australia currently emanating from overseas conflict zones, the offence will be subject to a sunset clause which will expire on 7 September 2018.

Right to a fair trial and presumption of innocence in Article 14 of the ICCPR, right to freedom from arbitrary detention in Article 9 of the ICCPR, prohibition on cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment in Article 7 of the ICCPR and CAT and freedom of movement in Article 12 of the ICCPR

235. Article 14 of the ICCPR provides the right to fair hearing by a competent, independent and impartial tribunal established by law and Article 14(2) provides that everyone charged with a criminal offence shall have the right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty according to law. It imposes on the prosecution the burden of proving a criminal charge and guarantees that no guilt can be presumed until the charge has been proved beyond reasonable doubt. Offences that contain a 'reverse burden', particularly a legal, as opposed to an evidential burden, may limit the presumption of innocence. This includes a situation where the defendant has to provide evidence in relation to an offence-specific defence. This is because a defendant's failure to discharge a legal or evidential burden may permit their conviction despite reasonable doubts as to their guilt.

236. The new offence does not reverse the onus of proof as guilt is not presumed. However, it requires the defendant to provide evidence of a sole legitimate reason for entering a declared area which shifts an evidential burden to the defendant. This requires the defendant to adduce evidence that suggests a reasonable possibility that they have a sole legitimate purpose or purposes for entering the declared area. Once that evidence has been advanced by the defendant, the burden shifts back to the prosecution to disprove that evidence beyond reasonable doubt.

237. The defendant may adduce evidence to justify his or her presence in a declared area on two bases. The first is where the individual is solely there in the course of the person's service in any capacity with the armed forces of the government of a foreign country or any other armed force if a declaration under subsection 119.8(1) covers the person and the circumstances of the person's service in or with the force. The second is where the defendant is in the declared area solely for one or more 'legitimate purposes'. A list of legitimate purposes is outlined in subsection 119.2(3).

238. The new offence under section 119.2 does not reverse the onus of proof or limit the presumption of innocence. To the extent that there is a limitation on Article 14 of the ICCPR, those limitations are reasonable, necessary and proportionate to countering the threat posed to Australia and its national security interests by foreign fighters returning to Australia from areas where the Foreign Affairs Minister is satisfied that a listed terrorist organisation is engaging in a hostile activity.

239. Article 9 of the ICCPR provides that no-one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention or deprived of their liberty except on such grounds and in accordance with such procedures as are established by law. The UN Human Rights Committee has stated that 'arbitrariness' includes the elements of inappropriateness, injustice and a lack of predictability. Arbitrariness can result from a law that is vague and provides for the exercise of powers in a broad range of circumstances that are not sufficiently defined. However, arrest or detention may be considered reasonable and necessary where it is required in the circumstances, for example, to prevent flight, interference with evidence or the recurrence of crime. In relation to this offence, arrest, detention or the deprivation of liberty of a convicted person is not 'arbitrary' in the sense that the offence is established by law and its application is clear and predictable. The amendment to Part 5.5 clearly outlines the legislative framework and requirements necessary for a prosecution of the declared areas offence.

240. Article 7 of the ICCPR and CAT prohibits conduct which is regarded as cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. Whilst the maximum penalty imposed by the offence is ten years imprisonment, the period of imprisonment does not include a mandatory minimum sentence and the presiding judicial officer will have discretion to impose a penalty that reflects the gravity of the offence taking into account the nature of the conduct and the particular circumstances of the defendant. The offence-specific defence of legitimate purpose is also available to the defendant. If convicted, defendants will be sentenced to imprisonment in a State or Territory facility and will not be treated any differently to other prisoners. As such any penalty imposed would not constitute cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.

241. The penalty implements a gradation consistent with established principles of Commonwealth criminal law policy, as documented in the Guide to Framing Commonwealth offences, Infringement notices and Enforcement Powers. The Guide suggests that the maximum penalty should aim to provide an effective deterrent to the commission of the offence, and should reflect the seriousness of the offence within the relevant legislative scheme.

242. Article 12(1) of the ICCPR provides that everyone lawfully within the territory of a State shall, within the territory, have the right to liberty of movement. Article 12(2) provides that everyone shall also be free to leave any country, including his own. This right also extends to the right of the person to determine the country of destination. These rights can be permissibly limited if the limitations are provided by law and are necessary to advance a legitimate objective. The new offence of declaring certain areas may limit the freedom of movement of persons who wish to travel to declared areas.

243. This limitation is justified on the basis that it achieves the legitimate objective of deterring Australians from travelling to areas where listed terrorist organisations are engaged in a hostile activity unless they have a legitimate purpose to do so. People who enter, or remain in a declared area will put their own personal safety at risk. Those that travel to a declared area without a sole legitimate purpose or purposes may engage in a hostile activity with a listed terrorist organisation. These people may return from a declared area with enhanced capabilities which may be used to facilitate terrorist or other acts in Australia. The radicalisation of these individuals abroad may enhance their ability to spread extremist messages to the Australian community which thereby increases the likelihood of terrorist acts being undertaken on Australian soil. Even with the existence of a legitimate objective, any restriction on the freedom of movement must still be reasonable, necessary and proportionate. Several factors indicate that the restriction achieves an appropriate balance between securing Australia's national security and preserving an individual's civil liberties.

244. The sole legitimate purpose defence provides an appropriate safeguard for individuals who have entered, or remained in, areas that have been declared. Individuals may lead evidence highlighting that their presence in a declared area was for a legitimate purpose and prosecution will be required to discharge its burden of disproving the existence of a legitimate purpose. The legitimate purpose defence captures common reasons for travelling, including the provision of humanitarian aid, undertaking official duty for a government or the United Nations or an agency of the United Nations, making a news report of events in the area by a professional journalist and making a genuine visit to a family member. Moreover, further legitimate purposes may be prescribed by regulations should additional grounds be required. The breadth of the grounds of defence is intended to ensure that legitimate travel is not unduly restricted by the new offence.

245. The new offence also contains safeguards that ensure the declaration process and prosecution processes are rigorous. Firstly, a declaration by the Foreign Affairs Minister requires that he or she be 'satisfied' that a listed terrorist organisation is engaging in a hostile activity in that area of the foreign country. As such, a declaration will not be made in an arbitrary manner. The Minister must also arrange for the Leader of the Opposition in the House of Representatives to be briefed in relation to the proposed declaration. Any declaration will be a disallowable legislative instrument. Secondly, a declaration of the Minister ceases to have effect on the third anniversary of the day on which it takes effect. The Minister is also not prevented from revoking a declaration where he or she ceases to be satisfied that the requisite criteria for declaration are satisfied. Thirdly, the Attorney-General's consent is required prior to the institution of proceedings in respect of offences in relation to the declared area.

246. On this basis, the impact of the new declared area offence on the right to freedom of movement is reasonable, necessary and proportionate in order to achieve the legitimate objective of protecting Australia and its national security interests.

247. Article 15 of the ICCPR imposes a prohibition against the retrospective operation of criminal laws. This right has not been limited by the creation of the new offence. The offence does not apply retrospectively and will only apply from the time of declaration of an area by the Foreign Affairs Minister. Only individuals who then enter or remain in the newly designated area will be subject to prosecution under the new offence.

Humanitarian aid defence

248. Section 7(1B) of the Foreign Incursions Act (new subsections 119.4(7) and 119.5(4) of the Criminal Code) provides a defence in relation to the offence of doing acts preparatory to a foreign incursion where a person does an act related to the provision of aid of a humanitarian nature. This amendment will limit the operation of the defence to instances where the conduct is for the sole purpose of providing humanitarian aid as opposed to one among other purposes. In his fourth annual report, the INSLM recommended that subsection 7(1B) be amended to include an exception for activities that are humanitarian in character and are conducted by or in association with the International Committee of the Red Cross, the UN or its agencies, and agencies contracted or mandated to work with the UN or its agencies. Whilst the INSLM's specific recommendation has not been implemented, the overarching rationale of the INSLM's recommendation, being that a broad humanitarian defence for terrorism offences is not appropriate, has been adopted. This amendment will appropriately limit the operation of the defence whilst ensuring that genuine humanitarian activities do fall within the scope of the offences at new sections 119.4 and 119.5. The amendment will also provide consistency with the operation of other humanitarian aid defences in the Criminal Code such as those at paragraphs 102.8(4)(c)-associating with terrorist organisations and 390.3(6)(b)-associating in support of serious organised criminal activity.

249. The policy rationale underlying the amendment is that the relevant offence under the foreign incursions regime is not compromised by persons who are engaged in armed hostilities in a foreign State who can then point to one small act of humanitarian aid to shield conduct that otherwise contravenes the objective of the offence. Rights to a fair trial in Article 14(1) and to the presumption of innocence in Article 14(2), which provides that everyone charged with a criminal offence shall have the right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty according to law, are not limited. Individuals will have access to the humanitarian aid defence where they undertake prohibited acts solely for the purpose of providing humanitarian assistance. Importantly, the prosecution will still need to prove all the elements of the offence before the defendant is convicted. The amendment will not operate retrospectively.

Customs Act 1901

Amendment to the definition of 'terrorist act'

250. The Bill repeals the definition of 'terrorist act' in section 183UA of the Customs Act and substitutes it with a cross-reference to the definition of 'terrorist act' in section 100.1 of the Criminal Code. This is a technical amendment that eliminates the need to constantly update the definition of 'terrorist act' in section 183UA as the definition in the Criminal Code changes. This amendment does not engage any human rights.

SCHEDULE 2 - STOPPING WELFARE PAYMENTS

A New Tax System (Family Assistance) Act 1999 / Paid Parental Leave Act 2010 / Social Security (Administration) Act 1991 / Social Security (Administration) Act 1999 / Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1977

Stopping welfare payments

280. This Schedule amends the Family Assistance Act, the PPL Act, the Social Security Act and the Social Security (Administration) Act 1999 (Social Security (Administration) Act) to provide that welfare payments can be cancelled for individuals whose passports have been cancelled or refused, or whose visas have been refused, on national security grounds. This is to ensure that the Government does not support individuals who are fighting or training with extremist groups. It is for the benefit of society's general welfare that individuals engaged in these activities do not continue to receive welfare payments.

281. Currently, welfare payments can only be suspended or cancelled if the individual no longer meets social security eligibility rules, such as participation requirements, and residence or portability qualifications. The new provisions will require the cancellation of a person's welfare payment when the Attorney-General provides a security notice to the Minister for Social Services. The Attorney-General will have discretion to issue a security notice where either:

•: the Foreign Affairs Minister has notified the Attorney-General that the individual has had their application for a passport refused or had their passport cancelled on the basis that the individual would be likely to engage in conduct that might prejudice the security of Australia or a foreign country, or
•: the Immigration Minister has notified the Attorney-General that an individual has had their visa cancelled on security grounds.

282. The Foreign Affairs Minister and the Immigration Minister will also have a discretion whether to advise the Attorney-General of the passport or visa cancellation.

283. Welfare payments will only be cancelled in circumstances where the receipt of welfare payments was relevant to the assessed security risk posed by the individual and the cancellation of welfare would not adversely impact the requirements of security. This is to ensure that those individuals assessed to be engaged in politically motivated violence overseas, fighting or actively supporting extremist groups are covered. It is not intended that every person whose passport or visa has been cancelled on security grounds would have their welfare payments cancelled, but would occur only in cases where it is appropriate or justified on the grounds of security.

284. Where an individual ceases to be eligible for welfare payments, the Secretary of DSS must cause reasonable steps to be taken to notify the individual of the cessation. In practice, notifying individuals who may be participating in overseas conflicts may not be possible.

Right to social security in Article 9 of the ICESCR

285. Article 9 of the ICESCR recognises the right of everyone to social security, including social insurance. Article 4 of ICESCR provides that countries may subject economic social and cultural rights only to such limitations 'as are determined by law only in so far as this may be compatible with the nature of these rights and solely for the purpose of promoting the general welfare in a democratic society'. The objective of the proposal to cancel welfare is to promote the general welfare of the Australian community by supporting national security and promoting public order. Specifically, the proposal addresses concerns about public monies in the form of social security payments being used by individuals to facilitate or participate in terrorist activities or fund terrorist organisations.

286. Social security payments are made to Australian residents to provide them and their families with a basic but adequate standard of living in Australia. Cancelling welfare payments to individuals of security concern will restrict their right to social security. However, this power will only be available where a person has had their passport cancelled or refused or their visa cancelled on security grounds. Furthermore, the Attorney-General will have the discretion to decide whether the welfare payment should be cancelled. In exercising this discretion it would be appropriate for the Attorney-General to have regard to relevant human rights considerations. In particular, the Attorney-General must have regard to the extent (if any) that any welfare payments of the individual who is the subject of the notice, are being, or may be, used for a purpose that might prejudice the security of Australia or a foreign country, and the likely effect of welfare cancellation on the individual's dependants. To facilitate the Attorney-General's decision, the Attorney-General's Secretary is required to seek advice from the Secretary of the Department of Human Services and inform the Attorney-General of that advice. It is also open to the Attorney-General to have regard to any other matters when considering whether to issue a security notice.

287. CESCR notes that persons who claim violations of their right to social security should have access to effective judicial or other appropriate remedies. The decisions of the Foreign Minister, Immigration Minister and Attorney-General to issue notices will be reviewable under the ADJR Act.

288. Furthermore, given that any decision by the Attorney-General to cancel welfare payments is triggered by the cancellation of a visa or the cancellation of, or refusal to issue an Australia passport, an individual will be able to seek review of the decision to cancel a visa or the cancellation of, or refusal to issue, a passport. This would include merits review under the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975 (AAT Act) of an adverse security assessment made by ASIO in support of those decisions.

289. The decisions to cancel welfare payments will be subject to judicial review under section 39B of the Judiciary Act 1903 or section 75(v) of the Constitution.

The rights of parents and children in Article 24 of the ICCPR

290. Article 24(1) of the ICCPR provides that 'Every child shall have, without any discrimination as to race, colour, sex, language, religion, national or social origin, property or birth, the right to such measures of protection as are required by his status as a minor, on the part of his family, society and the State.'

291. Family assistance payments made under the Family Assistance Act are to assist with the cost of raising children and are normally paid to the carer of the child who has responsibility for raising the child. The carer is responsible for using the payment as he or she sees fit to assist in raising the child. If a security notice is issued to an individual who has a child, the individual the subject of the notice would not be eligible to receive family assistance which would impact on their right to protect their child.

292. However, the purpose of the payment is for the child's benefit, to assist with the cost of raising them. Although the individual the subject of the security notice would not be able to claim the family assistance payment, the whole or a part of any amount that would have been payable may instead be paid to a payment nominee of the individual under Part 8B of the Family Assistance Act. This means that the payment may still be able to be used for the individual's family which promotes the rights of parents and children.

293. The Secretary of DSS will not have to take into account the wishes (if any) of the individual in appointing a nominee to receive the payment on the individual's behalf, but instead can appoint a nominee without consulting the individual. In practice it may be very difficult to contact the individual, especially if they are overseas fighting. In these circumstances, the parent is unable to fulfil their responsibilities and duties as a parent. Accordingly, the Secretary would appoint a nominee so that the benefit could still be paid to assist the child. This promotes the rights of the child.

Schedule 3 - customs' detention powers

Customs Act 1901

Customs detention power

294. Customs officers have the power to detain persons suspected of committing a serious Commonwealth offence or a prescribed State or Territory offence under section 219ZJB of the Customs Act. Broadly, the amendments to the detention power in section 219ZJB relate to:

•: extending 'serious Commonwealth offence' to any Commonwealth offence that is punishable upon conviction by imprisonment for a period of 12 months or more
•: expanding the applicability of the detention powers to include where an officer has reasonable grounds to suspect that the person is intending to commit a Commonwealth offence
•: expanding the required timeframe by which an officer must inform the detainee of their right to have a family member or other person notified of their detention from 45 minutes to 2 hours,
•: introducing a new section with a new set of circumstances in which a person may be detained in a designated area that relates to national security or security of a foreign country.

295. Section 219ZJD will also be amended to extend the power to conduct a search of the person where it is to prevent the concealment, loss or destruction of information relating to a threat to national security.

Right to freedom from arbitrary detention in Article 9 of the ICCPR, freedom of movement in Article 12 of the ICCPR, right to freedom from cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment in Article 7 of the ICCPR and the CAT, right of persons deprived of liberty to be treated with humanity and dignity in Article 10 of the ICCPR

296. Article 9 of the ICCPR provides that no-one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention or deprived of their liberty except on such grounds and in accordance with such procedures as are established by law.

297. The Customs detention power and the expanded scope of this power under the new amendment are likely to engage the detainee's right to freedom from arbitrary detention. This power now exists in respect of a greater number of offences as a result of its application to any Commonwealth offence that is punishable upon conviction by imprisonment for a period of 12 months or more as opposed to its previously restricted application to only serious Commonwealth offences. It will also apply where there exist reasonable grounds to suspect that the person is intending to commit a Commonwealth offence. The new section will also allow an officer to detain a person where the officer is satisfied that the person is, or is likely to be, involved in activities that are or likely to be a threat to national security.

298. The expanded framework of the Customs detention power is established by law and its use is in accordance with the requirements of section 219ZJB. The new section that provides for detention in respect of those who pose a national security threat also applies only in respect of actions that potentially impact Australia's national security interests. These detention powers are appropriate in that they are applicable in respect of only Commonwealth offences where imprisonment is for a period of twelve months or greater or to national security matters which pose the gravest threats to the welfare of Australians.

299. The enhanced detention powers are part of the targeted response to the threat posed by foreign fighters. A crucial element of the preventative measures undertaken to limit the threat of returning foreign fighters is to prevent Australians leaving Australia to engage in foreign conflicts in the first instance. The detention powers of Customs constitute an important preventative and disruption mechanism. Preventing individuals travelling outside of Australia where their intention is to commit acts of violence in a foreign country assists in preventing terrorists acts overseas and prevents these individuals returning to Australia with greater capabilities to carry out terrorist acts on Australian soil.

300. Accordingly, the expanded detention powers provided by these amendments are not arbitrary or unlawful. They are prescribed by law and their use is confined such that its application is restricted to instances where it is reasonable, necessary and a proportionate response to achieving the legitimate objective of securing Australia's national security.

301. Article 12 of the ICCPR provides that everyone lawfully within the territory of a State shall, within the territory, have the right to liberty of movement. Everyone shall also be free to leave any country, including his own. This right can be permissibly limited if the limitations are provided by law and are necessary to advance a legitimate objective. The proposed amendments will limit the right of an individual to leave Australia or movement in a 'designated place' (defined in section 4 of the Customs Act).

302. The restriction on freedom of movement is permissible on the basis that the primary reason underlying the expanded detention powers is to target individuals thought to be threats to Australia's national security leaving the country. The detention powers of Customs are not indefinite and are subject to significant safeguards including the right in all but the most extreme situations to notify a family member or others of their detention (subsections 219ZJB(5) and (6) and 219JCA (5) and (6)) and the requirement that if the officer detaining the individual ceases to be satisfied of certain matters, they must release the person from custody (subsections 219ZJB(5) and 219ZJCA(4)). Accordingly, the restriction on the freedom of movement is reasonable, necessary and proportionate to achieving the legitimate objective of securing Australia's national security.

303. Article 17 of the ICCPR accords everyone the right to protection against arbitrary or unlawful interference with their privacy, family, home or correspondence. Lawful interference with the right to privacy will be permitted, provided it is not arbitrary. The term 'unlawful' means no interference can take place except as authorised by law and should be reasonable, necessary and proportionate.

304. The new section that provides for detention on the basis of threats to national security or security of a foreign country will also include extend the existing power of an officer to conduct a frisk and ordinary search of the person and a search of the person's clothing and any property within the person's immediate control if the officer believes on reasonable grounds it is necessary to do so for the purpose of preventing concealment, loss or destruction of evidence of, or relating to the offence concerned (paragraph 219ZJD(1)(d)). Current subsection 219ZJD(3) provides that the search must be conducted as soon as practicable after the person is detained and by an officer of the same sex as the detainee. An officer will also have the authority to seize anything the officer has reasonable grounds to believe is a thing with respect to the offence committed, that will afford evidence of the commission of an offence or that was used or intended to be used for the purpose of committing an offence (paragraph 219ZJD(3)(b)). These actions constitute incursions into the right of privacy on an individual detained. They encompass a physical search of the person, of their clothing and items under their control and a seizure of items. Such an incursion is not however unlawful as it will be authorised and applicable in accordance with section 219ZJD.

305. In its application, the frisk and ordinary search power is not arbitrary. Its use will be limited to instances where the individual is considered to be a threat to national security. National security concerns pose among the gravest threats to the welfare of Australians and the consequences of a failure to act can be severe. The destruction or concealment of evidence relating to a national security offence will also be critical in investigating and prosecuting those believed to be involved in activities such as terrorism. The prevention of terrorist acts and the prosecution of those engaged in terrorist activities is an important element of Australia's foreign fighter strategy to prevent and disrupt terrorism in Australia.

306. Moreover, the detention regime has important safeguards that ensure that the human rights of the detainee are appropriately limited to promote national security considerations. Important qualifiers such as 'reasonable grounds to suspect', 'as soon as practicable', 'take all reasonable steps' and 'believes on reasonable grounds' (section 219ZJB) ensure that application of the detention provisions are not arbitrary and subject to certain thresholds which require officers of Customs to consider whether use of the detention powers is appropriate in a given circumstance. Overall, the expanded detention regime under the Customs Act is reasonable, necessary and proportionate to achieving a legitimate objective, being the protection of Australia and its national security interests.

307. Article 10 of the ICCPR provides that all persons deprived of their liberty shall be treated with humanity and respect for the inherent dignity of the human person. The UN Human Rights Committee stated that this right can be violated if a detainee is subjected to unreasonable restrictions on correspondence with his or her family. This right may be limited because it is proposed to extend the time by which an officer must inform the detainee of their right to have a family member of other person notified of their detention from 45 minutes to 2 hours.

308. However, it is not likely that the extension proposed from 45 minutes to 2 hours constitutes an unreasonable restriction on correspondence with the detainee's family. This increase of time is only in respect of Commonwealth offences which carry imprisonment of twelve months or greater as penalty. The current limit of 45 minutes may not provide Customs officers with sufficient time and opportunity to undertake enquiries once a person is detained.

309. In limited instances, the Customs detention regime allows an officer to refuse notification of a detainee's family or another person in particular circumstances (subsection 219ZJB(7)). It is proposed the current justifications for depriving the detainee of this right be extended to national security. This may be considered an unreasonable restriction on correspondence with the detainee's family.

310. However, the justifications, including national security, represent a reasonable and proportionate restriction on this right. This is because in order to make a decision to not notify a family member, the officer must believe on reasonable grounds that such notification will compromise the processes of law enforcement, endanger the life and safety of any person or compromise national security. These justifications provide reasonable limits on the right to notification. The safeguard provided by the qualifier 'believes on reasonable grounds', ensures that the deprivation of the detainee's right is not arbitrary and given due consideration.

311. The amendments proposed engage the right of detained persons to be treated with humanity and dignity. To the extent that the amendments proposed limit Article 10, the restrictions are reasonable, necessary and proportionate to achieve legitimate objectives such as not compromising national security, compromising law enforcement processes or endangering another's life.

Notes on clauses

Preliminary

Clause 1 - Short title

405. This clause provides for the Bill to be cited as the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Foreign Fighters) Act 2014.

Clause 2 - Commencement

406. This clause provides for the commencement of each provision in the Bill, as set out in the table.

407. Sections 1 to 3 commence on the day the Act receives Royal Assent. Schedules 1 to 2 commence on the 28th day after the Act receives Royal Assent. Schedules 3 to 5 will commence on the day after this Act receives Royal Assent. Schedule 6 will commence on 1 July 2015.

408. Schedule 7, which provides for amendments that relate to seizing bogus documents, commences according to table items 5 to 13 of the Commencement Information table.

409. Table items 5, 8, 10 and 13 provide that items 1 to 3 and items 6, 8 and 11 of Schedule 7 commence on the day after the Act receives Royal Assent.

410. Table items 6, 7, 9, 11 and 12 refer to items in Schedule 7 that make amendments that are contingent on the commencement of the Migration Amendment (Protection and Other Measures) Act 2014 (POM Act).

411. The POM Act re-locates the definition of 'bogus document' from section 97 of the Migration Act to subsection 5(1) of that Act. Items 4, 5, 7, 9 and 10 of Schedule 7 provide alternative amendments to refer to the term 'bogus document' as defined in section 97 of the Migration Act if the POM Act has not yet commenced or refer to the term 'bogus document' as defined in subsection 5 (1) if the POM Act has commenced first. The commencement of each item depends on whether or not the POM Act has already commenced.

Clause 3 - Schedules

412. Each Act specified in a Schedule to this Act is amended or repealed as is set out in the applicable items in the Schedule. Any other item in a Schedule to this Act has effect according to its terms.

Schedule 1 - Amendments and repeals

Part 1 - Amendments

Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1977

Item 1 - After paragraph (db) of Schedule 1

413. Item 1 inserts paragraphs (dc) and (dd) in Schedule 1 of the ADJR Act. Schedule 1 of the Act lists classes of decisions that are not decisions to which the Act applies.

414. New paragraph (dc) provides that decisions made under new sections 22A and 24A of the Passports Act, which are inserted by items 21 and 23, are not subject to review under the ADJR Act. These new sections enable the 14-day suspension and surrender of a person's Australian travel documents.

415. New paragraph (dd) provides that decisions made under new sections 15A and 16A of the Foreign Passports Act, which are inserted by items 129 and 131, are not subject to review under the ADJR Act. These new sections relate to the 14-day surrender of a person's foreign travel documents.

416. It is necessary to exclude all decisions listed in new paragraphs (dc) and (dd) from review under the ADJR Act as judicial review under the Act may compromise the operations of security agencies and defeat the national security purpose of the new mechanisms. For example, the new mechanisms would be made redundant if a court were to make an injunction order allowing the person of security concern to travel on an Australian travel document despite that document being suspended. The exclusion of the decisions from review under the ADJR Act is balanced by the fact that the effect of the decision is for a short temporary period of 14 days.

417. The exclusion of these decisions from ADJR Act review implements Recommendations V/4 and V/5 of the INSLM's fourth annual report. The INSLM noted that for the temporary passport suspension to be an effective counter-terrorism measure a decision to request a passport suspension should not be subject to judicial review (except under the Constitution) or merits review.

418. The exclusion of these decisions from ADJR Act review does not prevent the decisions from being judicially reviewed under paragraph 75(v) of the Constitution. Additionally, the IGIS will have oversight of any decision by ASIO to make a request under the new provisions in the Passports Act and the Foreign Passports Act. Crimes Act 1914

Items 35 to 38 - Overview of definition of terrorism offence

519. Subsection 3(1) defines terrorism offence as an offence against Subdivision A of Division 72 of the Criminal Code, or an offence against Part 5.3 of the Criminal Code. This definition is particularly important in the context of the Crimes Act for:

•: Division 3A of Part 1A which provides powers in relation to terrorist acts and terrorism offences
•: Section15AA which relates to bail not being granted in certain cases
•: Section 19AG which relates to non-parole periods for sentences for certain offences
•: New section 3WA in Part 1AAwhich inserts a new power of arrest without a warrant for a terrorism offence or offence of advocating terrorism
•: New Part 1AAA which inserts the delayed notification search warrant scheme, and
•: Part 1C which provides powers to detain a person for the purpose of investigating a terrorism offence.

520. Items 35-37 expand the current definition of terrorism offence for the purposes of the Crimes Act. These items implement Recommendation VI/6 of the INSLM's fourth report. In this recommendation the INSLM reiterates his position stated in his third annual report that 'there is no reason in principle or policy to distinguish UN Charter Act terrorism financing offences which implement Australia's international counter-terrorism obligations under 1373 and relate to potentially very serious terrorism financing activity, from terrorism offences under the Criminal Code.' Further to this, he notes that the Foreign Incursions Act criminalises politically motivated violence, including conduct that would fit within the meaning of 'terrorist act' under the Criminal Code and criminalises engaging in hostile activity with an organization which is a proscribed terrorist organization under the Criminal Code. For this reason there is similarly reason in principle or policy to distinguish between the offences under the Foreign Incursions Act, which cover potentially very serious terrorist activity, from terrorism offences under the Criminal Code.

521. The amended definition of terrorism offence will also be used in the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 as item 136 repeals the existing definition of terrorism offence in section 338 and replaces it with a cross-reference to the definition in the Crimes Act.

522. The Government considers it appropriate that individuals who engage in the very serious conduct that is contrary to Australia's international counter-terrorism obligations regarding terrorism funding activity or conduct contrary to the Crimes (Foreign Incursions and Recruitment) Act 1978 should face the same consequences as an individual who commits a terrorism offence contrary to the Criminal Code.

523. The application of this amendment will not have retrospective effect in the sense that a person who has been convicted and sentenced for an offence that was not a terrorism offence at the time of sentencing will not be subject to re-sentencing and the imposition of a longer non-parole period. However, it is appropriate that a person who has committed such an offence before the commencement of the amendments and is convicted and sentenced after their commencement should be subject to the possibility of a longer parole period. Similarly, it is appropriate for the AFP to use the new delayed notification search warrant powers after the commencement of the amendments to collect evidence in relation to an offence committed before commencement.

Item 35 - Subsection 3(1) (after paragraph (a) of the definition of terrorism offence)

524. This item extends the definition of terrorism offence in subsection 3(1) to include offences against Subdivision B of Division 80 of the Criminal Code. This includes the offence of treason at section 80.1 and the offence of treason-materially assisting enemies etc. at 80.1AA.

Item 36 - Subsection 3(1) (paragraph (b) of the definition of terrorism offence)

525. This item extends the definition of terrorism offence in subsection 3(1) to include foreign incursion and recruitment offences that will be inserted in new Part 5.5 of the Criminal Code.

Item 37 - Subsection 3(1) (at the end of the definition of terrorism offence)

526. This item extends the definition of terrorism offence in subsection 3(1) to include offences against Part 4 of the UN Charter Act and Part 5 of that Act, to the extent that it relates to the Charter of the United Nations (Sanctions-Al Qaida) Regulations 2008.

Item 38 - Application of amendments

527. This item provides that the amendments to the definition of terrorism offence in subsection 3(1) apply in relation to any terrorism offence, whether the offence occurs before, on or after commencement off this item.

528. The application provision will not have 'retrospective' effect in the sense that a person who has been convicted and sentenced for an offence that was not a terrorism offence at the time of sentencing will not be subject to re-sentencing and the imposition of a longer non parole period.

529. It is appropriate, however, that a person who has committed such an offence before the commencement of the amendments and is convicted and sentenced after their commencement should be subject to the possibility of a longer non-parole period, of at least three-quarters of their sentence.

530. Similarly, it is appropriate for the AFP to use the new delayed notification search warrant powers after the commencement of the amendments to collect evidence in relation to an offence committed before commencement.

Items 39 to 42 - Amendments relating to the creation of a new delayed notification search warrant scheme

531. These items relate to the creation of the new delayed notification search warrant scheme (see item 51) and distinguish the existing search, information gathering, arrest and related powers in Part IAA of the Crimes Act from the powers provided in the new Part IAAA, referred to at item 51.

Item 39 - Part IAA (heading)

532. This item substitutes the existing heading 'Part IAA-search, information gathering, arrest and related powers' with 'Part IAA-search, information gathering, arrest and related powers (other than powers under delayed notification search warrants)'. This reflects the insertion of a new Part IAAA in the Crimes Act, which provides for additional search and information gathering powers that do not fall within Part IAA.

Item 40 - Subsection 3C(1) (at the end of the definition of issuing officer )

533. Item 40 adds a drafting note below the definition of issuing officer in subsection 3C(1) of the Crimes Act to clarify how this definition will interact with the relevant provisions within the new Part IAAA of the Crimes Act. The meaning of an issuing officer specifies who is authorised to issue a warrant to search premises or a person or a warrant for arrest under Part IAA of the Crimes Act. Under proposed section 3ZZBJ of the new Part IAAA of the Crimes Act, an eligible issuing officer (as defined in Part IAAA) is also authorised to issue a warrant to search premises as if the eligible issuing officer were an issuing officer within the meaning of subsection 3C(1). This provision is intended to enable applications for ordinary search warrants and delayed notification search warrants relevant to the same investigation to be determined by one eligible issuing officer.

Item 41 - Subsections 3D(1) and (2)

534. Subsections 3D(1) and (2) clarify that Part IAA does not limit or exclude the operation of Commonwealth laws relating to the search of premises, arrest and related matters, the stopping, detaining or searching of conveyances or persons, the seizure of things or the requesting of information or documents from persons. Item 41 inserts '(including other provisions of this Act)' within subsections 3D(1) and (2) as an additional Commonwealth law that is not limited or excluded by Part IAA. This clarifies that even though new Part IAAA may provide a power to do one or more things contained within Part IAA, the similar power conferred by Part IAA may be used despite those powers elsewhere.

Item 42 - After subsection 3E(1)

535. Subsection 3E(1) specifies when search warrants can be issued under Part IAA of the Crimes Act. Item 42 inserts a drafting note at the end of this section to clarify that the issue of delayed notification search warrants is set out in new Part IAAA.

Item 43 - Subsection 3UK(1)

536. This item extends the ability for police officers to exercise powers and duties under Division 3A of Part IAA until 7 September 2018. Division 3A gives police officers powers in relation to terrorist acts and terrorism offences, including stop, search and seizure powers. These powers were due to sunset on 14 December 2015. However, in light of the enduring threat of terrorism, these powers will be maintained for an extended period of ten years to give law enforcement agencies the appropriate tools they need to deal with this threat.

537. The date for the sunset was selected in response to Recommendation 13 of the Report of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, which proposed a sunset date of 'two years after the last Federal election'. The 7 September 2018 date was selected to provide greater certainty regarding the duration of these powers rather than referring to the uncertain date. This date is two years after the third anniversary of the last general election.

Item 44 - Subsection 3UK(2)

538. This item extends the operation of a declaration made under section 3UJ from ten years after the commencement of Division 3A to 7 September 2018. Section 3UJ gives the Minister the power to declare a Commonwealth place to be a prescribed security zone if it would assist in preventing a terrorist act occurring or assist in responding to a terrorist act that has occurred. A police officer may exercise powers under Subdivision B of Division 3A in relation to a person if that person is in a Commonwealth place in a prescribed security zone (refer to section 3UB(1)). It is necessary to extend the operation of subsection 3UK(2) to give full effect to item 43, which extends the operation of police powers and duties under Division 3A.

Item 45 - Subsection 3UK(3)

539. This item extends the ability of a police officer to apply for, and the Minister to make, a declaration under section 3UJ from ten years after the commencement of Division 3A to 7 September 2018. It is necessary to extend the operation of subsection 3UK(3) to give full effect to item 43, which extends the operation of police powers and duties under Division 3A.

Item 46 - Subsection 3W(1)

540. This item inserts 'other than a terrorism offence and an offence against section 80.2C of the Criminal Code' after the word 'offence' in subsection 3W(1) to provide that a constable's powers under the subsection do not apply in relation to those offences. A constable's powers in relation to those offences are addressed in new section 3WA inserted by item 47.

Item 47 - After section 3W

541. This item inserts new section 3WA, which gives constables the power to arrest a person without a warrant for a terrorism offence or an offence against new section 80.2C of the Criminal Code. New subsection 3WA(1) provides a police constable with the power to arrest a person without a warrant where the constable suspects on reasonable grounds that the person has committed or is committing a terrorism offence or an offence against section 80.2C and issuing a summons against the person would not be effective for the purposes specified in subparagraphs (i)-(vi). These purposes mirror the existing provisions in existing subparagraphs 3W(2)(b)(i)-(vi).

542. The threshold for 'suspecting' on reasonable grounds is lower than that of 'believing' on reasonable grounds, which is the threshold in section 3W. However, there would need to be some factual basis for the suspicion and there would need to be more than idle wondering. An arrest threshold based on suspicion is not a new concept in Australian law and is used in a number of Australian jurisdictions.

543. Lowering the arrest threshold will make it consistent with the threshold in a number of Australian jurisdictions and in the United Kingdom. More importantly, it will give police the option to intervene and disrupt terrorist activities and the advocating of terrorism at an earlier point than would be possible where the threshold is reasonable grounds to believe. Lowering the threshold is appropriate for terrorism related offences due to the extraordinary risk posed to the Australian community by acts of terrorism, and the time critical nature of a response to such acts.

544. Once a person has been arrested using the amended, lower threshold, and the suspected activity disrupted, police will be able to examine the evidence (including evidence obtained during searches conducted simultaneously with the arrest action or shortly thereafter) to support the brief of evidence. Lowering the threshold is appropriate for terrorism offences due to the extraordinary risk posed to the Australian public by terrorism and the time critical nature that a response to such offences is needed.

545. The threat from terrorism has been exacerbated by Australians travelling (and seeking to travel) overseas to participate in foreign conflicts and it will not always be appropriate or in the public's best interest to delay action until sufficient evidence has been obtained to meet the threshold of reasonable belief. Section 80.2C of the Criminal Code has been included in addition to terrorism offences as it is necessary for the police to have the ability to arrest a person at an earlier stage to prevent and disrupt that person from advocating terrorism. However, given the nature of the offence it is not necessary for the broader suite of powers that apply to 'terrorism offences', such as the stop search and seizure powers under Division 3A of Part IAA, to apply to section 80.2C.

546. New subsection 3WA(2) necessarily provides that where a person has been arrested but not yet charged and the constable in charge of the investigation ceases to suspect on reasonable grounds that the person committed the offence, or that holding the person in custody is necessary to achieve a purpose referred to in new paragraph 3WA(1)(b), the person must be released.

Item 48 - Application of amendments

547. This item provides that the application of the amendments made to section 3W and the introduction of new subsection 3WA apply to arrests made after the commencement of this item.

Item 49 - Paragraph 3ZB(2)(a)

548. This item inserts 'or 3WA' into paragraph 3ZB(2)(a). This will ensure that, if a constable can arrest someone under section 3W or new section 3WA, and the constable believes on reasonable grounds that the person is on any premises, the constable may enter the premises using necessary and reasonable force.

Item 50 - Paragraph 3ZQN(3)(e)

549. Section 3ZQN enables an authorised AFP officer to obtain documents relating to serious terrorism offences. The power is exercised through a written notice which compels a person to produce documents relevant to the investigation of a serious terrorism offence. Paragraph 3ZQN(3)(e) provides that the person must comply with the notice 'as soon as practicable', but does not presently specify any particular deadline for compliance with the notice. As there is presently no specific timeframe in which a notice must be answered, delays can be encountered in receiving the information.

550. Item 50 replaces existing paragraph 3ZQN(3)(e). The effect of this is that a notice need no longer state that a person must comply with the notice 'as soon as practicable'. Instead, it is proposed that a notice issued under section 3ZQN must specify the day by which a person is to comply with that notice.

551. That day must be at least 14 days from the giving of the notice or, if the authorised AFP officer believes that it is appropriate to specify an earlier day, having regard to the urgency of the situation, a day that is at least 3 days from the giving of the notice.

552. Requests for information under section 3ZQN are made where documents are relevant to and will assist with a serious terrorism offence. Commonly, this will involve circumstances where it is believed that a person has been involved in financing or otherwise supporting terrorist activities. In circumstances where the commission of a terrorist act is imminent this item provides the ability to request information within a shorter timeframe. This information may indicate whether the person has the financial capacity to carry out the attack but, if the precise timeframe is unknown, it might be necessary in the circumstances to request information within a shorter timeframe. This information may indicate whether the person has the financial capacity to carry out the attack.

553. If a person holds a relevant account with an institution the information about that person's account-related activities would ordinarily be available to these institutions. It is therefore expected that these institutions would have the practical capacity to produce this information within a reasonable time period. Information requested under a section 3ZQN notice is ordinarily internally generated by institutions.

554. A serious terrorism offence is defined in section 3C of the Crimes Act.

555. This item implements Recommendation VI/4 of the INSLM's fourth annual report.

Item 51 - Delayed Notification Search Warrants

556. This item will establish a delayed notification search warrant scheme in a new stand-alone Part IAAA of the Crimes Act. Under current Commonwealth search warrant provisions in the Crimes Act, the occupier of searched premises or their representative must be given a copy of the warrant if they are present (section 3H), which ensures that a search cannot occur without the occupier being made aware that the search is taking place. A delayed notification search warrant scheme will allow AFP officers to covertly enter and search premises for the purposes of preventing or investigating Commonwealth terrorism offences, without the knowledge of the occupier of the premises, with the occupier to be given notice at a later time.

557. Delaying notification of a search warrant will ensure that the investigation remains confidential. This is considered critical to the success of certain investigations by the AFP, particularly when carrying out investigations of multiple suspects over an extended period. If members of a terrorist group are alerted to investigator's knowledge of their activities, the success of the law enforcement operation could be jeopardised. For example, a suspect whose premises are searched under the current regime would be notified of police interest in their activities. A suspect could then undertake counter-surveillance measures, change their plans to avoid further detection, relocate their operations, or relocate or destroy evidence of their activities. It would also provide a suspect with the opportunity to notify their associates, who may not yet be known to police, allowing the associates to cease their involvement with the known suspect, destroy evidence or avoid detection in other ways. Delaying notification of a search warrant will also enable the AFP, when executing the warrant, to gather information about a planned operation with a view to preventing a terrorism offence from being committed.

558. Introducing a delayed notification search warrant regime is consistent with other covert Commonwealth schemes, such as telecommunications interception, surveillance devices and controlled operations schemes, which already allow law enforcement agencies to collect evidence covertly. In addition, several Australian states and territories have either delayed notification or covert search warrant regimes for investigating terrorism offences including New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory. Covert or delayed notification search warrants are also available in both Canada and New Zealand.

Item 51 - At the end of Part 1AA

559. This item inserts a new Part IAAA-Delayed notification search warrants into the Crimes Act. This new Part provides for requesting, authorising, issuing and reporting obligations with respect to delayed notification search warrants.

Division 1-Preliminary

560. Division 1 outlines the administrative arrangements for issuing delayed notification search warrants, and definitions of terms used in the proposed Part IAAA.

Section 3ZZAA Object of this Part

561. Subsection 3ZZAA(1) explains that Part IAAA is intended to provide eligible agencies with the ability to obtain search warrants in relation to eligible offences that authorise the entry and search of premises without having to produce the warrant at the time of entry and search. The AFP is specified as the 'eligible agency'. An 'eligible offence' is defined as a terrorism offence that is punishable on conviction by imprisonment for 7 years or more. The Bill has expanded the definition of 'terrorism offences' within subsection 3(1) of the Crimes Act to include an offence against Subdivision B of Division 80, Part 5.3 or Part 5.5 of the Criminal Code and an offence against Part 4 of the UN Charter Act and Part 5 of that Act, to the extent that it relates to the Charter of the United Nations (Sanctions-Al Qaida) Regulations 2008 (see items 35-37 above).

562. The threshold penalty period of 7 years or more will capture all terrorism offences within the Criminal Code, with the exception of associating with terrorist organisations (section 102.8) which attracts three years' imprisonment. This penalty threshold is consistent with the thresholds for other Commonwealth schemes for covert investigation. For example, telecommunications interception warrants are available for the investigation of Commonwealth, state and territory offences with a penalty of seven years or more, as well as certain other offences, which involve the use of telecommunications or computers and have lower penalties, such as cybercrime offences.

Section 3ZZAB Application of Part

563. This application provision clarifies that the Part IAAA does not limit or exclude the operation of Commonwealth laws in relation to the search of premises, the seizure of things, the use of an assumed identity or the installation of surveillance devices. This applies even in instances where a power has been conferred by this Part that may be similar to an existing power under another Commonwealth law. This provision also clarifies that even though another Commonwealth law may provide a power to do one or more of those things, a similar power conferred by Part IAAA may be used despite those powers elsewhere.

Section 3ZZAC Definitions

564. Section 3ZZAC provides definitions of terms used in new Part IAAA. These definitions will be explained, where applicable, in the subsequent notes on clauses.

Section 3ZZAD Eligible Issuing Officers

565. Under new Part IAAA of the Crimes Act, the issue of a delayed notification search warrant will be contingent on a two-step process requiring both internal authorisation within an eligible agency and then application to an eligible issuing officer. New section 3ZZAD defines who is an eligible issuing officer for the purpose of Part IAAA.

566. Subsection 3ZZAD(1) defines the term 'eligible issuing officer' as a person who is either a judge of the Federal Court of Australia, a judge of the Supreme Court of a State or Territory or a nominated member of the AAT. For the purposes of this Part, judges are required to have consented to, and be declared by the Minister to be, an eligible issuing officer under subsections 3ZZAE(1) and (2).

567. AAT members are already eligible to act as issuing officers for the purposes of surveillance device warrants, telecommunications interception warrants, stored communication warrants, and for extending controlled operation authorisations. These examples provide a useful model for framing the delayed notification search warrant scheme. There are also strong operational reasons for including AAT members within the categories of eligible issuing officers for delayed notification search warrants. The AFP has advised that limiting the persons who could issue delayed notification search warrants to judicial officers would reduce the number of eligible issuing officers and could result in difficulties in obtaining delayed notification search warrants, particularly in urgent operational contexts, or where operations are being conducted in remote areas. The AFP advises that AAT members have consistently proven to be available out-of-hours to deal with the operational needs of the AFP. The AFP has further advised that in many cases, they would seek to install a surveillance device at the same premises for which a delayed notification search warrant is sought and it would therefore be administratively convenient and less resource intensive to approach the AAT for both warrants, rather than approach the AAT for the surveillance device warrant and a separate judicial officer for the delayed notification search warrant.

568. Subsection 3ZZAD(2) provides that any function or power conferred on a judge under this Part is conferred in a personal capacity, that is, in persona designata, rather than as a court or a member of a court.

569. Subsection 3ZZAD(3) provides that a judge will have the same protection and immunity in relation to the performance or exercise of a function or power conferred on them under this Part as a judge would have if that function was exercised as a member of a court of which the judge was a member. Similarly, the drafting note for this subsection explains that a member of the AAT will have the same protection and immunity in relation to the performance of a function or power conferred on them under this Part as a Justice of the High Court has in relation to proceedings in the High Court.

Section 3ZZAE Consent of Judges

570. Subsection 3ZZAE(1) and (2) provides that judges may consent to be declared an eligible issuing officer by the Minister. Both the consent and the subsequent declaration by the Minister must be in writing. Subsection 3ZZAE(3) is included to assist readers, as the consent or declaration provided under this section is not a legislative instrument within the meaning of section 5 of the Legislative Instruments Act.

Section 3ZZAF Nominated AAT members

571. Subsection 3ZZAF(1) provides that the Minister may nominate a Deputy President or a full-time senior member of the AAT to issue delayed notification search warrants.

572. Subsection 3ZZAF(2) provides that the Minister must not nominate a full-time senior member under subsection 3ZZAF(1) unless the person is enrolled, and has been so enrolled for at least five years, as a legal practitioner of the High Court, of another federal court, or of the Supreme Court of a state or the Australian Capital Territory. The Northern Territory is covered by the reference to state, as defined in subsection 3(1) of the Crimes Act.

573. Under subsection 3ZZAF(3) a nomination will cease to have effect if the nominated AAT member ceases to hold their appointment to the AAT or the Minister withdraws the nomination in writing.

Division 2-Issue of delayed notification search warrants

574. This Division describes the process by which an application may be made for a delayed notification search warrant, requirements for their issue and what must be included in the warrant.

Subdivision A-The normal process for applying for and issuing delayed notification search warrants

Section 3ZZBA The conditions for issue of a delayed notification search warrant

575. The issue of a delayed notification search warrant will involve a two-stage process of both internal authorisation and application to an eligible issuing officer. Section 3ZZBA specifies the conditions that must be met at each of these stages for a delayed notification search warrant.

576. A person must be satisfied that there are reasonable grounds to suspect that one or more eligible offences have been, are being, are about to be or are likely to be committed. A person must also be satisfied that entry to and search of the premises will substantially assist in the prevention of, or investigation into, those eligible offences. Finally, a person must be satisfied that there are reasonable grounds to believe that it is necessary for the entry and search of the premises to be conducted without the knowledge of any occupier of the premises.

Section 3ZZBB Authorisation to apply for delayed notification search warrants

577. Following on from section 3ZZBA, subsection 3ZZBB(1) enables the chief officer, defined in section IC as the Commissioner, of an eligible agency to authorise an eligible officer of that agency to apply in writing for a delayed notification search warrant in respect of a particular premises if the chief officer is satisfied that the conditions for issue set out in section 3ZZBA are met. This requirement for authorisation to apply for a delayed notification search warrant is an additional safeguard which is not contained in the general search warrant provisions in Part IAA of the Crimes Act.

578. Subsection 3ZZBB(2) allows the chief officer, namely the AFP Commissioner, to provide this authorisation orally (in person, by telephone or other means of voice communication). This is limited to circumstances where the conditions for issue set out in section 3ZZBA are met and where there is either an urgent case or if receiving the authorisation in writing would frustrate the effective execution of the delayed notification search warrant. If this authorisation is provided orally, the chief officer must make a written record within 7 days as per subsection 3ZZBB(3). This balances a need for flexibility to address operational demands with the need for accountability and record-keeping measures.

Section 3ZZBC Applying for delayed notification search warrant

579. This section sets out the procedures to be followed by an eligible officer applying for a delayed notification search warrant. An eligible officer who has been authorised under section 3ZZBC may apply to an eligible issuing officer for the issue of a delayed notification search warrant in respect of a particular premises.

580. The first drafting note clarifies that for this application to be successful, it will need to address why the conditions for issues set out in 3ZZBA have been met. It will also need to address the matters that must be specified in the warrant, set out in subsection 3ZZBE (1), and any other matters that the eligible issuing officer will consider in making the decision to authorise a delayed notification search warrant, as set out in subsection 3ZZBD(2). The second drafting note cross-references section 3ZZBF to explain that this application may be made by telephone, fax or other electronic means in specified circumstances.

581. Subsection 3ZZBC(2) sets out what must be included in an application for a delayed notification search warrant. Unless made remotely under proposed section 3ZZBF, the application must be in writing. The eligible officer must provide the eligible issuing officer with a copy of, or details of, the authorisation provided under section 3ZZBB and details (including on the outcomes) of any previous applications for a warrant under this Part or Division 2 of Part IAA (general search warrants) in respect of the same premises so far as known to the eligible officer. For example, if a previous application was refused, it is intended that the application would justify why the delayed notification search warrant should be issued at this time.

582. Subsection 3ZZBC(3) requires the application to be supported by an affidavit setting out the grounds on which the warrant is sought. Subsection 3ZZBC(4) provides that an eligible issuing officer may request further information relating to the application, and the information may be required to be provided on oath or affirmation. This power enables an eligible issuing officer to be satisfied as to the necessity for issuing a delayed notification search warrant.

Section 3ZZBD Issuing a delayed notification search warrant

583. Subsection 3ZZBD(1) provides that before issuing a delayed notification search warrant to an eligible officer, the eligible issuing officer must be satisfied, by information on oath or affirmation, that the conditions for issue set out in section 3ZZBA have been met. That is, the eligible issuing officer must be satisfied that there are reasonable grounds to suspect that one or more relevant offences have been, are being, are about to be or are likely to be committed and, that entry and search of the premises will substantially assist in the prevention of, or investigation into, those offences, and also that there are reasonable grounds to believe that it is necessary for the entry and search of the premises to be conducted without the knowledge of the occupier of the premises.

584. Subsection 3ZZBD(2) sets out seven matters which an eligible issuing officer must have regard to when deciding whether to issue a delayed notification search warrant, and includes the extent to which the exercise of the powers would assist the prevention of or investigation into the eligible offence to which the application relates to; the existence of alternative means of obtaining the evidence or information sought to be obtained; the extent to which the privacy of any person is likely to be affected; the nature and seriousness of the alleged offence(s) to which the warrant is after; whether any conditions should be included in the warrant, and the outcome of any known previous applications for delayed notification search warrant or a Division 2 of Part IAA warrant in connection with the same premises. If it is proposed that an adjoining premises be entered, the eligible issuing officer must also be satisfied that entry is reasonably necessary to enter the main premises and is required to avoid compromising the prevention or investigation of the eligible offence(s). This subsection recognises and balances the competing public interest in timely and effective law enforcement and the intrusion on the privacy of a group or individual.

585. Subsections 3ZZBD(3) enables eligible issuing officers of the Federal Court of Australia or AAT members to issue a delayed notification search warrant in relation to premises located anywhere in the Commonwealth or an external Territory. Under subsection 3ZZBD(4), eligible issuing officers who are state or territory Supreme Court Judges are restricted to issuing delayed notification search warrants only in relation to premises located in that state or territory.

Section 3ZZBE Contents of delayed notification search warrant

586. Subsection 3ZZBE(1) sets out the information, which must be contained in a delayed notification search warrant. The warrant is to contain the name of the applicant; the eligible agency and the eligible officer who is to be responsible for executing the warrant; the address, location or other description of the warrant premises; the eligible offence to which the warrant relates; the day on which, and the time, the warrant is issued; the day on which, and the time at which, the warrant expires; the notification period and a description of the kinds of things that are proposed to be searched for, seized, copied, photographed, recorded, marked, tagged, operated, printed, tested or sampled. In addition, the warrant is to state whether the warrant authorises the entry of adjoining premises and details of that premises if required; whether a thing may be placed in substitution for a seized or moved item; any conditions to which the warrant is subject and that the eligible issuing officer is satisfied of the conditions of issue and of the matters specified in subsection 3ZZBD(2).

587. The warrant must also state whether it authorises re-entry of the warrant premises to return anything seized or moved or to retrieve anything substituted, and if so paragraph 3ZZBE(1)(m) requires that re-entry is to be within 14 days of the day on which the warrant was executed, that is, the day on which the premises were first entered under the warrant, or the time as extended in particular circumstances specified in section 3ZZCE. A delayed notification search warrant must include the name and signature of the eligible issuing officer under proposed subsection 3ZZBE(2).

588. These requirements ensure that executing officers and constables assisting have clear guidance on their powers under each delayed notification search warrant and are accountable for the proper execution of the warrant.

Subdivision B-Delayed notification search warrants by telephone, fax etc.

Section 3ZZBF Delayed notification search warrants by telephone, fax etc.

589. This section sets out an alternative method of applying for and issuing delayed notification search warrants. Subsection 3ZZBF(2) permits the application to an eligible issuing officer for a delayed notification search warrant to be made by telephone, fax, e-mail or any other means of electronic communication where the eligible officer is satisfied that it is an urgent case, or that delaying the application until it can be made in person would frustrate the effective execution of the warrant.

590. Subsections 3ZZBF(3) and (4) reflect the existing provisions of subsections 3R(2) and (3) of the Crimes Act. These subsections enable an eligible issuing officer to require communication by voice, where practicable, and to record that communication. The application must include all the information required in an ordinary application for a delayed notification search warrant, but may be made before the information is sworn or affirmed. This application must also include the details of, or be accompanied by a copy of, the authorisation provided by the chief officer of the eligible agency, namely the AFP Commissioner.

591. Pursuant to subsection 3ZZBF(5), having regard to this application, and the matters set out in subsection 3ZZBD(2), the eligible issuing officer may complete and sign a delayed notification search warrant. This is limited to circumstances where the conditions for issue set out in 3ZZBA are met and where the eligible issuing officer is satisfied that it is an urgent case, or that delaying the application until it can be made in person would frustrate the effective execution of the warrant.

592. After completing and signing the delayed notification search warrant, the eligible issuing officer must inform the applicant by telephone, fax or other electronic means of the terms of the warrant and the day on which, and the time at which, the warrant was signed as set out in subsection 3ZZBF(6). The applicant must then complete a form of the delayed notification search warrant to reflect the warrant completed and signed by the eligible issuing officer. As required in subsection 3ZZBF(7) this form must specify the name of the eligible issuing officer who issued the delayed notifications search warrant and the day and time of signing the warrant.

593. Subsection 3ZZBF(8) requires this completed form to be sent to the eligible issuing officer, in addition to the information referred to when applying for the delayed notification search warrant which must have been duly sworn or affirmed. These are to be sent by the end of the day after the day on which the delayed notification search warrant expires or the day of execution of the warrant, whichever occurs first. Pursuant to subsection 3ZZBF(9), once received by the eligible issuing officer, these documents must be attached to the warrant signed by that eligible issuing officer. These provisions ensure appropriate accountability around delayed notification search warrants issued remotely.

Section 3ZZBG Authority of delayed notification search warrant by telephone, fax etc.

594. Subsection 3ZZBG(1) explains that the form of delayed notification search warrant completed remotely under section 2F is authority for the same powers as authorised by a warrant signed by the eligible issuing officer as part of the normal process under section 3ZZBD.

595. Subsection 3ZZBG(2) creates a rebuttable presumption if an issue arises as to whether the exercise of a power under a delayed notification search warrant issued on a remote application was duly authorised, that the power was not duly authorised unless the form of warrant signed by the eligible issuing officer is produced in evidence.

Subdivision C-Offences relating to applying for warrants etc.

Section 3ZZBH Offence for making false statement in application for delayed notification search warrant

596. This provision creates an offence for making a false or misleading statement in an application for a delayed notifications search warrant. A maximum penalty of imprisonment for two years will apply.

Section 3ZZBI Offence relating to delayed notification search warrant by telephone, fax etc.

597. This provision creates a range of offences relating to the form of delayed notification search warrants remotely authorised under section 3ZZBF. This includes detailing information that departs from the warrant authorised by the eligible issuing officer. This offence has a maximum penalty of imprisonment for two years.

598. The creation of this offence safeguards against the inappropriate use of provisions relating to remote applications for authorising delayed notification search warrants and ensures that the availability of remote authorisation of warrants for operational urgency is balanced with the necessity of ensuring accountability for those officers applying for delayed notifications search warrants.

Subdivision D-Interaction with other provisions under which search warrants may be issued

Section 3ZZBJ Issue of warrants under other provisions as well as or instead of delayed notification search warrants

599. Section 3ZZBJ empowers an eligible officer making, or who has made an application for, a delayed notification search warrant to make an application to the same eligible issuing officer for a search warrant under Division 2 of Part IAA of the Crimes Act to search the main or other premises for evidential material which may be related to the eligible offence, or to other offences which are connected to the eligible offence for which the delayed notification search warrant is sought or was issued. Provided the application relates to the same premises and offence it may be made at the same time as, or at a later time than, the application for a delayed notification search warrant.

600. This provision enables applications for ordinary search warrants and delayed notification search warrants in the same investigation to be determined by one eligible issuing officer. It also ensures that when there is no necessity for covert entry of premises, a delayed notification search warrant is not used to conduct an investigation of other premises.

601. Subsection 3ZZBJ(4) enables the eligible issuing officer to consider the Part IAA, Division 2 application as if the eligible issuing officer were an issuing officer within the meaning of section 3C of Part IAA.

602. Subsection 3ZZBJ(5) enables an eligible issuing officer who is not satisfied that a delayed notification search warrant should be issued, to treat the application for a delayed notification search warrant as an application for a search warrant under Division 2 of Part IAA, and deems the eligible issuing officer to be an issuing officer within the meaning of section 3C of Part IAA for the purposes of issuing such a search warrant.

Division 3-Exercise of powers under delayed notification search warrants

603. This Division specifies the powers that are authorised under a delayed notification search warrant.

Section 3ZZCA What is authorised by a delayed notification search warrant

604. Section 3ZZCA sets outs clearly what powers the executing officer or a person assisting is authorised to exercise in executing a delayed notification search warrant. An executing officer, as defined in section 3ZZAC, is the person named in the warrant as being responsible for executing the warrant or the name of another eligible officer inserted into the warrant. A person assisting is defined in section 3ZZAC as an eligible officer who is assisting in the execution of the warrant or another person who has been authorised by the executing officer to assist in executing the warrant, such as a data analyst.

605. Paragraphs 3ZZCA(1)(a) and (b) authorise the executing officer or person assisting to enter the warrant premises and, if specified in the warrant, to enter adjoining premises. This entry may occur without the knowledge of the occupier of the premises or any other person present at the premises, as authorised in subsection 3ZZCA(2). The power to impersonate a person authorised by paragraph 3ZZCA(1)(c) would enable executing officers and persons assisting to gain entry without arousing the suspicion of other residents of the area. It is not, however, intended to empower an executing officer to impersonate a person beyond that which is reasonably necessary to execute the warrant. The drafting note included below subsection 3ZZCA(1) clarifies that proposed paragraph 3ZZCA(1)(c) does not authorise the acquisition or use of an assumed identity. If an assumed identity is required for the execution of a delayed notification search warrant, the requirements of Part IAC of the Crimes Act would need to be complied with.

606. The remaining powers include the power to search for and seize any thing of a kind specified in the warrant, or any other thing found in the course of the search, if the executing officer believes on reasonable grounds that the thing is evidential material and that the seizure of the thing is necessary to prevent its concealment, loss, destruction or use. Paragraph 3ZZCA(1)(g) also authorises the seizure of any other thing found in the course of the search, if the executing officer believes on reasonable grounds that the thing would present a danger to a person or could be used to assist a person to escape from lawful custody.

607. Paragraph 3ZZCA(1)(h) further authorises the executing officer or a person assisting to search for and record fingerprints found at the premises, and to take samples of things found at the premises for forensic purposes. This provision is based upon section 3F(1)(b) of the Crimes Act. Samples may include such things as samples of explosive and weapon type material, and DNA from such items as used cups or cigarettes.

608. Paragraph 3ZZCA(1)(i) only authorises an executing officer or a person assisting to replace a seized item or an item moved with a substitute if specified in the warrant. These powers are authorised to ensure the occupier of the premises is not alerted to the search until an occupier's notice is provided. Paragraph 3ZZCA(1)(k) authorises an executing officer or a person assisting to do anything reasonably necessary to conceal the fact that any thing has been done under the warrant. This recognises that in the course of executing a warrant, the executing officer may become aware of something which will result in the search becoming known to the occupier. It is important in these circumstances that the executing officer has the power to do what is necessary to conceal the fact that something was done under the warrant. Without this power, the covert nature of the search could be undermined.

609. Paragraph 3ZZCA(1)(j) authorises an executing officer or a person assisting to copy, photograph or otherwise record, mark or tag, operate, print test or sample a thing of a kind specified in the warrant, and any other thing believed on reasonable grounds to be evidential material. The powers under paragraphs 3ZZCA(1)(j) are supported by the provisions of sections 3ZZCE, 3ZZCF, 3ZZCG and 3ZZCH. The power to mark or tag a thing allows for visible and invisible material to be placed onto a thing to identify if, for example, an item is later utilised in a particular location or for a particular purpose.

610. Paragraph 3ZZCA(1)(l) authorises re-entry of the warrant premises, or adjoining premises for the purpose of entering or leaving the warrant premises, to return a thing seized or moved or retrieve a thing substituted at the warrant premises. Any such re-entry must occur within the time period set out in 3ZZBE(1)(m), namely 14 days or an extended time period authorised under subsection 3ZZCC. Subsection 3ZZCA(3) provides that if this period for re-entry ends after the delayed notification search warrant expires, the power to re-enter may be exercised during that period as if the warrant was still in force. This is required to ensure the occupier of the premises is not alerted to the search until an occupier's notice is provided.

Section 3ZZCB Specific powers available to person executing the warrant

611. The powers under subsection 3ZZCB(1) are based on the existing powers under subsection 3J(1) of the Crimes Act. The subsection authorises an executing officer or person assisting to take photographs (including video recordings) of the warrant premises for a purpose incidental to the execution of the warrant. Due to the covert nature of a delayed notification search warrant, a power to take photographs with the written consent of the occupier, similar to that at subsection 3J(1), is not included.

612. Paragraph 3ZZCB(2)(a) allows the executing officer or a person assisting to leave the warrant premises temporarily for a maximum period of one hour and, provided the warrant is still in force, re-enter to complete its execution. The powers are based on subsection 3ZZCB(2) of the Crimes Act. Paragraph 3ZZCB(2)(b) allows the executing officer or a person assisting to leave the premises temporarily for not more than 24 hours and, provided the warrant is still in force, re-enter to complete its execution in emergency situations or to reduce the risk of discovery of the fact that a law enforcement officer has been on the premises. An emergency situation is defined in section 3ZZAC as a situation that the executing officer or a person assisting believes, on reasonable grounds, involves a serious and imminent threat to a person's life, health or safety that requires the executing officer and persons assisting to leave the premises. If a time period longer than 24 hours is required the conditions in section 3ZZCC must be satisfied.

613. Paragraph 3ZZCB(3) is based on subsection 3J(3) of the Crimes Act. It allows the execution of a warrant to be completed if the execution was halted by an order of a court, which is subsequently revoked or reversed, provided the warrant is still in force. If the warrant is no longer in force, but covert re-entry is still considered necessary, a new warrant must be applied for, and details of the previous warrant will be included in the supporting affidavit as required by paragraph 3ZZBC(2)(b).

Section 3ZZCC Extension of time to re-enter premises left in emergency situation or to avoid discovery of law enforcement officer

614. Subsection 3ZZCC(1) permits an eligible issuing officer or person assisting to apply to an eligible issuing officer for an extension of time to re-enter premises. This is limited to instances where the executing officer or a person assisting has left the warrant premises due to an emergency situation or to reduce the risk of discovery of the fact that a law enforcement officer has been on the premises and the executing officer or person assisting believes on reasonable grounds that he or she will not be able to return to the premises within the 24 hour time period set out in paragraph 3ZZCB(2)(b). For an extension to be authorised, the eligible issuing officer must be satisfied, by information on oath or affirmation, that there are circumstances justifying this extension and the extension would not result in the period ending after the expiry of the warrant.

Section 3ZZCD Executing a warrant - assistance, use of force and related matters

615. This section, which is based on section 3G of the Crimes Act, authorises the executing officer to obtain such assistance as is necessary and reasonable in the circumstances to execute the warrant. It also authorises the executing officer or an eligible officer who is a person assisting to use such force against people and things as is necessary and reasonable to execute a delayed notification search warrant. A person assisting who is not an eligible officer may only be authorised to use force against things.

616. Subsection 3ZZCD(2) requires that an executing officer has a copy of the warrant, or if the warrant has been issued remotely, a copy of the form of warrant, available when executing the warrant at the warrant premises, or entry of the adjoining premises. The warrant or form of warrant must be available to the executing officer or a person assisting to produce without delay, such as obtaining it from a team member outside or in an adjoining room. If circumstances require it, an executing officer or a person assisting can produce the warrant to confirm that their presence is legitimate.

617. Subsection 3ZZCD(3) clarifies that there is no requirement to produce the warrant. As a warrant allows an executing officer or a person assisting to impersonate another person during the execution of the warrant, the occupier may accept the legitimacy of the action, which obviates the need to produce the warrant, and allows the operation to remain covert.

Section 3ZZCE Use of equipment to examine or process things

618. Subsection 3ZZCE(1), which authorises the executing officer or a person assisting to bring to the warrant premises any equipment reasonably necessary for the examination or processing of a thing found at the premises, is based on subsection 3K(1) of the Crimes Act. Subsection 3ZZCE(2), which authorises the operation of equipment already at the premises to examine or process a thing found at the premises if the executing officer or person assisting believes on reasonable grounds that the equipment is suitable for the examination or processing and will not be damaged as a result of its operation, is based upon subsection 3K(4) of the Crimes Act.

619. Subsection 3ZZCE(2) authorises the removal of a thing found at the warrant premises to another place for examination or processing in order to determine whether it may be seized. This is limited to circumstances where the executing officer or a person assisting suspects on reasonable grounds that the thing is a thing that may be seized under the warrant and it is significantly more practicable to move the thing due to the time and cost of examining or processing the thing at another place and/or the availability of expert assistance. The operation of electronic equipment moved under this section is provided in sections 3ZZCG and 3SZFB.

620. Pursuant to subsection 3ZZCE(3), the time for moving a thing to another place for examination or processing is limited to a maximum of 14 days. Extensions of no more than 7 days at a time may be permitted, pursuant to subsection 3ZZCE(5), if the eligible issuing officer believes on reasonable grounds, based on the application from the executing officer, that the thing cannot be examined or processed within 14 days or the time previously extended.

Section 3ZZCF Use of electronic equipment at warrant premises

621. This section authorises the operation of electronic equipment found at the warrant premises to access data held on that equipment to determine whether it constitutes a thing that may be seized under the warrant. The power to access data not held on site from equipment found on site is consistent with the existing search warrant powers under subsection 3L(1) of the Crimes Act.

622. As computers and electronic devices are becoming increasingly interconnected, files physically held on one computer are often accessible from another computer. Accordingly, it is critical that law enforcement officers executing a search warrant are able to search not only material on computers located on the search premises but also material accessible from those computers but located elsewhere. This provision would enable the tracing of a suspect's internet activity and viewing of material accessed by the suspect through the use of that equipment.

623. The executing officer would not be required to notify operators of computers not on search premises if data held on those computers is accessed under the warrant. It would not be practicable to impose such a notification requirement on investigating officers, as it will not always be apparent when accessing data whether it is held on premises or off site or, in some cases, where it is held. For example, computer files accessible from a personal computer connected to a network may be stored on a mainframe computer located elsewhere, but there may be nothing that would indicate to the person accessing those files that they are not held on the search premises.

624. Electronic equipment, such as a computer hard drive, can hold large amounts of data. It is often not practicable for officers to search all the data for evidential material while at the search premises and then copy only that data, which they believe may constitute evidential material. Accordingly, subsection 3ZZCF(2) authorises the executing officer or a person assisting to copy data held on electronic equipment accessed at search premises to a storage device where there are reasonable grounds to suspect that the data constitutes a thing that may be seized under the warrant, and to take that device holding the data from the premises. This will permit officers to copy all data held on a computer hard drive or data storage device if the data constitutes a thing that may be seized under the warrant or if there are reasonable grounds to suspect that the data constitutes a thing that may be seized under the warrant. The authorisation only extends to copying the data to a storage device brought to the premises by the executing officer or a person assisting. This provision is based on subsection 3L(1A) of the Crimes Act with the necessary exception that the consent of the occupier is not required to enable the executing officer or a person assisting to copy the data to a device found at the premises.

625. Subsection 3ZZCF(3) reflects existing subsection 3L(1B) of the Crimes Act. This provision safeguards the rights of the occupier when the data taken from the premises is no longer required, or is not likely to be required, to be kept for the purposes of any investigation or for handling a complaint about the conduct of officers of the eligible agency in the execution of the warrant. The chief officer, or his delegate must arrange for the data to be removed from any device onto which it was copied, or the destruction of any other reproduction of the data which has been made during the course of the examination of the data.

626. Subsections 3ZZCF(4) and (5) enable the executing officer or a person assisting to operate equipment found at the premises to reproduce the thing found by accessing the equipment in documentary form or, if that is not practicable or the possession constitutes an offence, to seize the equipment. These provisions only enable the reproduction of, or seizure of equipment, consisting of a thing that may be seized under the warrant. The subclauses are based on the existing provisions of subsections 3L(2) and (3) of the Crimes Act.

Section 3ZZCG Use of moved electronic equipment at other place

627. Subsections 3ZZCG(1) and (2) permit electronic equipment to be moved to another place to operate the equipment to access data (including data held at another place) and, if the executing officer or person assisting suspects on reasonable grounds that the data accessed constitutes a thing that may be seized under the warrant, this data may be copied to a disk, tape or other associated device.

628. Similar to subsection 3ZZCF(3), subsection 3ZZCG(3) safeguards the rights of the occupier when the data is no longer required, or is not likely to be required, to be kept for the purposes of any investigation or for handling a complaint about the conduct of officers of the eligible agency in the execution of the warrant. The chief officer, or his or her delegate, must arrange for the data to be removed from any device onto which it was copied, or the destruction of any other reproduction of the data, which has been made during the course of the examination of the data.

629. Similar to subsections 3ZZCF(4) and (5), subsections 3ZZCH(4) and (5) enable the executing officer or a person assisting to operate equipment moved from the premises to reproduce the data or thing found into documentary form or, if that is not practicable or the possession constitutes an offence, to seize the equipment. These provisions only enable the reproduction of, or seizure of equipment, consisting of a thing that may be seized under the warrant.

Section 3ZZCH Operating seized or moved electronic equipment

630. This section applies to electronic equipment seized under this Part or moved under section 3ZZCE. Subsection 3ZZCH(2) permits electronic equipment to be operated at any location after it has been seized or moved to determine whether the data held on or accessible from the electronic equipment is a thing that may be seized under the delayed notification search warrant and, in turn, to obtain access to such data. This includes data that was not held on the electronic equipment at the time the electronic equipment was seized or moved.

631. Pursuant to subsection 3ZZCH(5), this section does not limit the operation of other provisions within Part IAAA relating to items seized or moved. The drafting note explains that, for example, section 3ZZCH does not limit the operation of the time limits set out in section 3ZZCE on the examination or processing of a thing moved under that section.

Section 3ZZCI Compensation for damage to electronic equipment

632. Subsection 3ZZCI(1) places an obligation on the Commonwealth to pay the owner of equipment operated in accordance with sections 3ZZCE, 3ZZCF,3ZZCG or 3ZZCH reasonable compensation for damage or corruption. The damage or corruption to the equipment, data or programs must have occurred because insufficient care was exercised in either selecting the person to operate the equipment or in the operation of the equipment. Damage, in relation to data, is defined in section 1C as damage by erasure of data or addition of other data.

633. Given the covert nature of delayed notification search warrants, compensation would normally only be paid when an occupier's notice of the warrant was provided, unless the occupier had become aware that damage had been sustained. Pursuant to subsection 3ZZCI(2), the Commonwealth is required to pay the owner of the equipment, or the user of the data or programs, such reasonable compensation as the Commonwealth and the owner or user agree upon. Proceedings in the Federal Court of Australia may be instituted if the owner or the user and the Commonwealth are unable to reach an agreement.

Division 4-Notice to Occupiers

634. This Division sets out the process by which the occupier of the warrant premises or of an adjoining premises entered under a delayed notification search warrant is to be given notice of the entry.

Section 3ZZDA Warrant premises occupier's notice must be prepared and given

635. Section 3ZZDA requires that a written notice be given to the occupier of premises entered under a delayed notification search warrant and sets out the information which must be contained in the notice. The notice is to be prepared by the executing officer.

636. The notice must specify the name of the authorised agency, the address, location or other description of the warrant premise, the day and time the warrant was issued, the day of execution, the number of persons who entered the warrant premises, and include a description of any thing seized and/or substituted and whether any thing was returned or retrieved from the warrant premises. The requirement that the notice include a summary of the purpose of the delayed notification search warrant and the things done under the warrant is intended to provide the occupier with an outline of the operation of the scheme. A copy of the warrant, which is to be provided under subsection 3ZZDA(3) with the occupier's notice, will give the occupier information regarding what was authorised. These requirements will ensure that the occupier of the premises is aware of why a delayed notification search warrant was issued in respect of the premises, and what was done under the warrant.

637. The notice is to be given in accordance with the time limits specified under section 3ZZDC. Subsection 3ZZDA(4) creates an exception to the requirement to give an occupier's notice if the occupier's identity cannot be ascertained, or the occupier cannot be located. In such circumstances the person who prepared the occupier's notice must report back to the eligible issuing officer who may give directions on the requirement to give the notice. As clarified in subsection 3ZZDA(5), a notice and a direction under this section is not a legislative instrument within the meaning of section 5 of the Legislative Instruments Act. This provision is included to assist readers and is merely declaratory of the law.

Section 3ZZDB Adjoining premises occupier's notice must be prepared and given

638. This subsection requires that notice be given to the occupier of adjoining premises entered under a delayed notification search warrant to gain access to the main premises, and sets out what is to be included in the notice. The notice is to be prepared by the executing officer. A copy of the delayed notification search warrant authorising the entry is also to be provided with the notice.

639. The information to be provided to the occupier of adjoining premises is more limited than that required to be provided to the occupier of the main premises to reflect the reduced powers available to the executing officer or person assisting in relation to the adjoining premises. However, it will be sufficient to ensure that the occupier is aware of why entry to his or her premises was authorised and when it occurred.

640. The notice is to be given in accordance with the time limits specified under section 3ZZDC. As at subsection 3ZZDA(4), a person who prepares an adjoining premises occupier's notice but who cannot ascertain the identity of, or locate, the occupier of the adjoining premises, must report back to the eligible issuing officer who may give directions regarding delivery of the notice. As clarified in subsection 3ZZDB(5), a notice and a direction under this section is not a legislative instrument within the meaning of section 5 of the Legislative Instruments Act. This provision is included to assist readers and is merely declaratory of the law.

641. An executing officer would not be required to notify owners or operators of computers not on search premises if data held on those computers is accessed under warrant. Access to data held on remote computers under a delayed notification search warrant does not constitute access to adjoining premises. Accordingly, there is no requirement to give notice to the owner or operator of those computers.

Section 3ZZDC Time for giving warrant premises occupier's notice or adjoining premises occupier's notice

642. This section sets out when an occupier's notice and adjoining premises occupier's notice must be given. The general rule, as set out in subsection 3ZZDC(2) is that the notice must, unless an extension is obtained, be provided to the occupier of the premises or of the adjoining premises within six months of the day on which the delayed notification search warrant was executed.

643. Subsection 3ZZDC(4) enables the chief officer of the eligible agency, namely the AFP Commissioner, to authorise an eligible officer to apply to an eligible issuing officer for an extension of the period within which the notice must be given. This authorisation must be in writing. Subsection 3ZZDC(5) requires that an eligible issuing officer granting an extension be satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for extending the period within which the notice must be given. An extension would normally be appropriate when there is an ongoing investigation of a relevant offence, the success of which may depend on continued confidentiality.

644. Subsection 3ZZDC(6) limits the period of extension that may be granted by an eligible issuing officer by periods of up to six months on any one application, up to a maximum of 12 months. An extension beyond 12 months from the date of entry may only be granted where authorisation has been received from both the Minister, in the form of a certificate approving the application for the extension, and an eligible issuing officer. The Minister must be satisfied that there are exceptional circumstances justifying the extension and that the public interest that would be served by notifying the occupier is outweighed by the prejudicial consequences that might result from the occupier being aware that the search took place. Prejudicial circumstances may include compromising or hindering the investigation, endangering the life or safety of any person, prejudicing any legal proceeding or compromising any law enforcement agency's operational activities or methodologies. If the Minister does issue a certificate approving an application, the issuing officer must only approve delaying of notification further if he or she is also separately satisfied that an extension is justified due to exceptional circumstances. The certificate provided by the Minister is not a legislative instrument, pursuant to subsection 3ZZDC(7). Limiting the extension period available to 12 months implements Recommendation 2 of the Report of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security and ensures that extensions to notification periods in longer-term investigations are subject to an appropriate degree of scrutiny.

645. Subsection 3ZZDC(3) requires that if a person is charged with an offence and the prosecution is proposing to rely on evidence obtained under the warrant the notice must be given as soon as practicable after the person is charged with the offence and no later than the time of service of the brief of evidence by the prosecution. This recognises that it is important that any person charged with an offence is notified of the way in which evidence supporting the particular charge or charges has been obtained, in order to enable them to challenge the evidence.

Division 5-Using, sharing and returning things seized

646. This Division provides for the use and sharing of things seized under the warrant in specified circumstances and details the requirement for returning things that are seized.

Subdivision A-Using and sharing things seized

Section 3ZZEA Purposes for which things may be used and shared

647. Subsection 3ZZEA(1) lists the purposes for which an eligible officer or a Commonwealth officer may use, or make available to another eligible officer or a Commonwealth officer to use, a thing seized under this Part. The purposes include investigations or proceedings under a range of Commonwealth legislation such as the Proceeds of Crime Act 1987, the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, the Law Enforcement Integrity Commissioner Act 2006, the Ombudsman Act 1976 and the Privacy Act 1988. Subsections 3ZZEA(2) and (3) also permit the use of a thing seized under this Part by an eligible officer or a Commonwealth officer for any other use that is required or authorised by or under a law of a state or a territory. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list, with subsection 3ZZEA(4) clarifying that this section does not limit any other law of the Commonwealth that requires or authorises the use of a thing or the making available (however described) of a thing.

648. An eligible officer of an eligible agency or a Commonwealth officer is also permitted to make a thing seized under this Part available to a state or territory law enforcement agency, as defined in section 3ZZAC. In addition, an eligible officer or a Commonwealth officer is permitted to make a thing seized under this Part available to the appropriate agency in a foreign country responsible for law enforcement, intelligence gathering or security. This ability to share a thing seized is limited to situations listed in subsections 3ZZEA(1)(2)(3) and (5). The outcome of this provision is that a thing seized under the warrant can be shared with foreign agencies for the investigation of Commonwealth, state or territory offences, in recognition of the international aspects of many modern offences, however, material cannot be shared with foreign agencies for the investigation of foreign offences.

649. Subsection 3ZZEA(6) clarifies that, in addition to the ability to share between law enforcement agencies, the Minister retains the capacity to make an arrangement with a Minister of a state or territory for the sharing of a thing that has been seized under this Part and, in turn, the disposal of such things when they are no longer of use to the relevant agency.

Subdivision B-Returning things seized

Section 3ZZEB When things seized must be returned

650. Subsection 3ZZEB(1) requires the chief officer of the eligible agency, namely the AFP Commissioner or his/her delegate, to take reasonable steps to return a thing seized under the Part if is not required, or no longer required, for a purpose listed in subsection 3SFA or for other judicial or administrative review proceedings. The thing is to be returned to the person from whom it was seized, or to the owner if that person is not entitled to possess it.

651. Subsection 3ZZEB(2) provides an exhaustive list of exceptions to this requirement including, amongst other exceptions, that the thing may otherwise be retained, destroyed or disposed of under a law or is the subject of a dispute as to ownership. Paragraph 3ZZEB(2)(d) recognises that the item is not required to be returned until a warrant premises occupier's notice has been given to ensure that the confidentiality of the warrant is maintained until operational sensitivities allow disclosure.

Section 3ZZEC Eligible issuing officer may permit a thing seized to be retained, forfeited etc.

652. Under this section, an eligible issuing officer may make an order in relation to a thing seized under this Part for that thing to be retained for a set time period, forfeited to the Commonwealth, sold and proceeds given to the owner or destroyed or otherwise disposed. Subsection 3ZZEC(1) provides that for one of these orders to be made the eligible issuing officer must be satisfied that there are reasonable grounds to suspect that, if the thing is returned to the owner of the thing, or the person from whom the thing is seized, it is likely to be used by that person or another person in the commission of a terrorist act or a terrorism offence or a serious offence (as defined in Part IAA). Where this threshold is not met, the eligible issuing officer is required to order that the thing be returned to the person from whom the thing was seized or to the owner if that person is not entitled to possess it.

Division 6-Reporting and record-keeping

653. This Division sets out the reporting requirements of the delayed notification search warrants scheme. These requirements are intended to ensure that executing officers and the authorising agencies are accountable for the use of delayed notification search warrants.

Section 3ZZFA Reporting on delayed notification search warrants

654. This section imposes reporting requirements on the executing officer of a delayed notification search warrant, whether or not it was executed.

655. Under subsection 3ZZFA(2) the executing officer or the applicant must, as soon as practicable after execution of a delayed notification search warrant, or the expiry of an unexecuted warrant, provide a report to the chief officer, namely the AFP Commissioner, setting out the matters listed in subsection 3ZZFA(3). If the delayed notification search warrant was executed, the report must also include the information listed at proposed subsection 3ZZFA(4). The requirement at paragraph 3ZZFA(4)(c) that the report contain information on the 'kind of assistance provided' requires a general description of the nature of the assistance provided rather than a technical description of what was actually done and how it was done. For example, it is sufficient to say that a person provided data analysis. It is not necessary to specify how they did it or what data was analysed. If the warrant premises occupier's notice or adjoining premises occupier's notice has not been given at the time the report is made, under subsection 3ZZFA(5) the executing officer is required to give a further report including those details. Under subsection 3ZZFA(6), if the delayed notification search warrant was not executed, the report must state why not.

656. Subsection 3ZZFA(7) sets out details to be included in a further report if the warrant premises were re-entered after the warrant was executed for the purposes of returning a thing to, or retrieving a thing left at, the premises. This report must be given to the chief officer of the eligible agency as soon as practicable after the warrant premises were re-entered. As clarified in subsection 3ZZFA(9) a report under this section is not a legislative instrument within the meaning of section 5 of the Legislative Instruments Act. This provision is provided to assist the reader and is merely declaratory of the law.

Section 3ZZFB Annual reports to Minister

657. Section 3ZZFB requires the chief officer of the eligible agency, namely the AFP Commissioner, to provide a written report to the Minister within three months of the end of each financial year and sets out the matters which must be included in that report.

658. The report must set out the number of warrants applied for and issued to eligible officers of the eligible agency during the year, and specify the number applied for in person or remotely. The report must also include details of the eligible offence(s) to which the issued delayed notification search warrants relate. The report must not only specify the number of warrants that were executed, but must also specify the number of warrants that were executed under which things were seized, placed in substitution, returned to or retrieved from the premises or copied, photographed, recorded, marked, tagged, operated, printed, tested or sampled at the warrant premises.

659. Paragraph 3ZZFB(1)(f) provides that the report may contain any other information related to delayed notification search warrants and the administration of the scheme that the Minister considers appropriate. This enables the Minister to request further information from the chief officer, namely the AFP Commissioner. The further information may outline the benefit to an investigation of the use of a delayed notification search warrant and the use of any evidence or information obtained under the delayed notification search warrant, or provide details of the sharing of evidence or information obtained under the delayed notification search warrant to persons other than officers of the eligible agency.

660. Subsection 3ZZFB(3) requires the Minster to table the report before each House of Parliament within 15 sitting days of receipt. These reports will assist the Minister and the Parliament to ascertain the uses that are being made of delayed notification search warrants. For example, of ten warrants executed by an agency, eight of the warrants may have included items seized, two of the warrants may have included items that were copied, one of the warrants may have included items substituted for seized items, and five of the warrants may have included items tested. Provision of this information will enable an assessment of the usefulness of the delayed notification search warrants scheme, and of whether an appropriate balance between law enforcement and intrusion into privacy has been met, and will also ensure accountability of the authorised agency.

Section 3ZZFC Regular reports to Ombudsman

661. Section 3ZZFC requires the chief officer of the eligible agency, namely the AFP Commissioner, to provide a written report to the Ombudsman as soon as practicable each six-month period starting on 1 January or 1 July and sets out the matters which must be included in that report. The includes the number of warrants applied for, issued to and executed by eligible officers of the eligible agency during the year, and the number applied for in person or remotely.

Section 3ZZFD Keeping documents connected with delayed notification search warrants

662. This section imposes administrative requirements on the eligible agency using the delayed notification search warrants scheme to ensure it is sufficiently accountable. The section lists the documents, which are to be kept for purposes of records maintenance and to facilitate investigations by the Commonwealth Ombudsman under Division 7 of Part IAAA.

Section 3ZZFE Register of delayed notification search warrants

663. This section is an additional accountability requirement of the eligible agency to keep a register of delayed notification search warrants. The information to be kept in the register includes, amongst other things, the details of any directions given by an eligible issuing officer if the occupier of premises or of an adjoining premises is unknown or unable to be located. Information is to be kept about every application for a delayed notification search warrant, regardless of whether it was issued or refused.

664. Subsection 3ZZFE(3) clarifies that the register is not a legislative instrument within the meaning of section 5 of the Legislative Instruments Act. This provision is provided to assist readers and is merely declaratory of the law. It does not create an exemption from the Legislative Instruments Act.

Division 7-Inspection by Ombudsman

665. This Division establishes the procedure for the Commonwealth Ombudsman to monitor the delayed notification search warrants scheme, by inspecting records and reporting to the Minister to ensure that the eligible agency is complying with its obligations under this Division.

Section 3ZZGA Appointment of inspecting officers

666. This section allows the Ombudsman to appoint members of the Ombudsman's staff to be inspecting officers for the purpose of this Division. The appointment must be evidenced in writing.

Section 3ZZGB Inspection of records by the Ombudsman

667. This section establishes an inspection regime requiring the Commonwealth Ombudsman to inspect the records kept by eligible agencies at least in each six-month period starting on 1 January or 1 July. The role of the Ombudsman is to determine whether the records kept are accurate and whether an eligible agency is complying with its obligations under the Division.

668. Paragraphs 3ZZGB(2)(a) and (b) provide that the Ombudsman can enter premises occupied by the eligible agency at any reasonable time after notifying the chief officer of the agency, namely the AFP Commissioner. The Ombudsman is then entitled to full and free access at all reasonable times to all records of the delayed notification search warrants scheme that are relevant to the inspection. The Ombudsman has the power under paragraph 3ZZGB(2)(c) to require a member of staff of the eligible agency to provide any information relevant to the inspection that is in their possession or to which the member has access.

669. Subsection 3ZZGB(3) requires the chief officer to ensure that agency staff provide the Ombudsman with any assistance that the Ombudsman reasonably requires to enable the Ombudsman to inspect the records.

670. Subsection 3ZZGB(4) enables the Ombudsman to delay the inspection of records of the agency on a delayed notification search warrant until an occupier's notice has been given in relation to the warrant. This ensures that confidentiality of the information is maintained until operational sensitivities allow disclosure.

Section 3ZZGC Power to obtain relevant information

671. This section empowers the Ombudsman to require, in writing, a staff member of the eligible agency to provide written information relevant to an inspection at a specified place and within a specified period if the Ombudsman has reason to believe that the staff member is able to give the information.

672. Under subsections 3ZZGC(3) and 3ZZGC(5) the Ombudsman may also require, in writing, a staff member to attend to answer questions relevant to the inspection before a specified inspecting officer at a specified place and within either a specified period or at a reasonable time and date. This section will enable the Ombudsman to question a staff member who he or she believes is able to give information relevant to the inspection.

673. If the Ombudsman has reasonable grounds to believe that a staff member, whose identity is unknown to the Ombudsman, is able to give information relevant to an inspection, subsections 3ZZGC(4) and 3ZZGC(5) also authorise the Ombudsman in writing to require the chief officer of an eligible agency, or a person nominated by the chief officer, to attend to answer questions relevant to the inspection before a specified inspecting officer, at a specified place and either within a reasonable specified period or at a reasonable time and date.

Section 3ZZGD Offence

674. Section 3ZZGD creates an offence if a person refuses or fails to attend before a person, to give information or to answer questions when required to do so under section 3ZZGC. The maximum penalty for the offence is imprisonment for six months.

Section 3ZZGE Ombudsman to be given information etc. despite other laws

675. Subsection 3ZZGE(1) states that a person is not excused from providing information, answering questions or giving access to a document when required under this Division, on the grounds that doing so would contravene a law, would be contrary to the public interest or might tend to incriminate the person or make them liable to a penalty, or to disclose certain advice of a legal nature.

676. Subsection 3ZZGE(2) states that if the person is a natural person, the information, answer given or the fact that the person has given access to a document, and any information or thing that is obtained as a direct or indirect consequence, is not admissible in evidence against the individual except in a prosecution for unauthorised disclosure of information under section 3ZZHA or a prosecution for providing false or misleading information or documents, or making a false document under Part 7.4 or 7.7 of the Criminal Code.

677. Subsection 3ZZGE(3) provides that nothing in section 3ZZHA, which creates an offence of unauthorised disclosure of information about delayed notification search warrants, or any other law prevents an officer of an eligible agency from providing information to an inspecting officer in any form or from providing access to records of the eligible agency for the purposes of an inspection under this Division. This abrogation of the privilege against self-incrimination subject to a use and derivative use immunity recognises the public interest in the effective monitoring of the use of delayed notification search warrants to ensure that civil liberties are not unduly breached.

678. Subsection 3ZZGE(4) enables an officer of an eligible agency to make a record of information, or cause such a record to be made, for the purposes of giving the information to a person as permitted by subsection 3ZZGE(3), without being liable for a breach of proposed section 3ZZHA or any other law.

679. The defendant bears the evidential burden of proof if they seek to rely on one of the exceptions set out in subsection 3ZZHA(2). This is consistent with Commonwealth criminal law policy and with subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code, which provides that a defendant who wishes to rely on an exception bears an evidential burden in relation to that matter. It is appropriate that where a matter is peculiarly within the knowledge of the defendant, and it would be significantly more difficult for the prosecution to disprove that matter than for the defendant to establish it, the defendant should be required to adduce evidence on that matter. The defendant is responsible for adducing, or pointing to, evidence that suggests a reasonable possibility that the exception is made out. The prosecution must then refute the exception beyond reasonable doubt.

680. Subsection 3ZZGE(5) ensures that a claim for legal professional privilege over information, documents or other records provided or answers given under this clause is maintained.

Section 3ZZGF Exchange of information between Ombudsman and State or Territory inspecting authorities

681. Section 3ZZGF allows the Commonwealth to develop effective and consistent inspection arrangements with other inspecting bodies, particularly state ombudsmen. Subsection 3ZZGF(4) provides definitions for 'State or Territory agency' and 'State or Territory inspecting authority' for the purposes of the section.

682. Subsection 3ZZGF(1) authorises the Ombudsman to give information that relates to a state or territory agency which was obtained by the Ombudsman under this Division to the state or territory inspecting authority responsible for inspecting that agency. Subsection 3ZZGF(2) requires that the Ombudsman be satisfied that it is necessary to give the information to the inspecting authority to enable it to perform its functions in relation to the state or territory agency.

683. Subsection 3ZZGF(3) empowers the Ombudsman to receive information relevant to the performance of the Ombudsman's functions under this Division from a state or territory inspecting authority.

Section 3ZZGG Ombudsman not to be sued

684. This section gives immunity from action, suit or proceeding to the Ombudsman, an inspecting officer or a person acting under an inspecting officer's direction or authority for an act or omission made in good faith in the performance or exercise, purported or otherwise, of a function, power or authority conferred under this Division. It further gives immunity to a Deputy Ombudsman or a delegate of the Ombudsman.

Section 3ZZGH Report on inspection

685. Under this section, the Ombudsman is required to provide a written report to the Minister after six-month period starting on 1 January or 1 July on the results of each inspection undertaken under section 3ZZGB. Subsection 3ZZGH(2) permits the Ombudsman to include a comment on whether the requirement to provide reports to the Minister (at section 3ZZFB) and to the Ombudsman (at section 3ZZFC) has been complied with.

686. Subsection 3ZZGH(3) requires that a copy of the Ombudsman's report be tabled by the Minister before each House of Parliament within 15 sitting days of that House after the Minister has received the report.

Division 8-Unauthorised disclosure of information

687. This Division creates an offence of unauthorised disclosure of information relating to a delayed notification search warrant.

Section 3ZZHA Unauthorised disclosure of information

688. Subsection 3ZZHA(1) creates an offence of unauthorised disclosure of information relating to an application for a delayed notification search warrant, the execution of a delayed notification search warrant, a report prepared by an executing officer or applicant after the warrant has been executed or has expired, or relating to an occupier's notice or adjoining occupier's notice. The offence carries a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment. This mirrors a similar offence for disclosing information relating to a controlled operation (section 15HK of the Crimes Act).

689. Subsection 3ZZHA(2) specifies exceptions where lawful disclosure can be made. The defendant bears the evidential burden of proof of the exception in accordance with the provision at subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code. Section 3ZZHA does not include an express defence for the disclosure of information relating to a delayed notification search warrant, where such disclosure is found to be in the public interest. Under the Prosecution Policy of the Commonwealth, the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) is required to consider the public interest in the commencement or continuation of a prosecution. It would be open to the CDPP, in making independent decisions on this matter, to have regard to any public interest in the disclosure of information in particular instances as the CDPP considers appropriate.

690. Two additional paragraphs have been included in subsection 3ZZHA(2) to implement Recommendation 3 of the Report of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, which sought the inclusion of explicit exceptions to address obtaining legal advice and inspections by the Ombudsman. Paragraph 3ZZHA(2)(aa) provides an exception to capture disclosure of information for the purpose of obtaining or providing legal advice related to delayed notification search warrants. Paragraph 3ZZHA(2)(da) provides an exception to capture disclosure of information by anyone to the Ombudsman, a Deputy Commonwealth Ombudsman or a member of the Ombudsman's staff. This applies to disclosure by any person in the course of an inspection by the Ombudsman (as set out in Division 7 of Part IAAA), disclosure in conjunction with a complaint made to the Ombudsman or disclosure in any other circumstance to the Commonwealth Ombudsman.

691. This also makes explicit that the Bill does not intend to criminalise the communication of information by Commonwealth Ombudsman staff to the Commonwealth Ombudsman or other staff within the Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman in the performance of their duties. This is consistent with subsection 3ZZGE(3), which provides that nothing in section 3ZZHA or any other law prevents an officer of an eligible agency from providing information to an inspecting officer in any form or from providing access to records of the eligible agency for the purposes of an inspection in relation to delayed notification search warrants.

692. By virtue of paragraph 3ZZHA(2)(e), no offence can be committed under 3ZZHA(1) once the occupier's notice has been provided. The intention of this offence provision is to maintain confidentiality of the information as long as operational sensitivities require. The exceptions at 3ZZHA(2) ensure that no offence is committed if information is disclosed by officers in the performance of their duties

Division 9-Other matters

Section 3ZZIA Delegation

693. Subsection 3ZZIA(1) will allow the AFP Commissioner to delegate all or any of his/her powers, functions or duties under Part 1AAA to a Deputy Commissioner of the AFP or a senior executive AFP employee who is an AFP member and authorised in writing by the Commissioner. Many of the powers, functions or duties vested in the AFP Commissioner can, by necessity, be delegated to a range of subordinate officers. This includes the Commissioner's responsibilities under the Surveillance Devices Act 2004 (section 63) and parts of the Crimes Act (such as section 3ZW). The delegation in proposed subsection 3ZZIA(1) is consistent with these covert schemes.

694. Subsection 3ZZIA(1) will allow the Commissioner to delegate the power to the person most appropriately placed to handle the return of the item. This is necessary due to the large amount of seized material that police officers deal with. It will also enable the Commissioner to delegate other powers under Part IAAA, such as the power to authorise an eligible officer to apply for a delayed notification search warrant (section 3ZZBB) or the power to seek an extension for the time for giving warrant premise occupier's notice or adjoining occupier's notice (section 3ZZDC). This ability to delegate is required to ensure that seeking a delayed notification search warrant and/or seeking an extension of the notice period is not delayed or frustrated where the AFP Commissioner is unavailable. The list of delegated officials is limited appropriately to senior staff members within the AFP to ensure that there is sufficient accountability for decisions made under delegated powers.

695. Subsection 3ZZIA(2) will also allow the AFP Commissioner to delegate all or any of his/her powers or functions under Division 5 of Part 1AAA to the chief executive officer (however described) of a state or territory law enforcement agency or a Commonwealth officer, if the Commissioner is satisfied on reasonable grounds that the officer is able to properly exercise those powers, functions or duties. State and territory law enforcement may have access to material seized under Part 1AAA. As such, it is necessary and appropriate for the Commissioner to be able to delegate the responsibility of returning or destroying (if required) seized items to state and territory police.

696. The provision will also allow the Ombudsman to delegate all or any of his/her powers under Part 1AAA (other than the power to report to the Minister) to an APS employee responsible to the Ombudsman. Subsection 3ZZIA(5) will require all delegates to produce the instrument of delegation or a copy of such to a person affected by the exercise of any power delegated to the delegate.

Section 3ZZIB Law relating to legal professional privilege not affected

697. Subsection 3ZZIB ensures that, except as expressly provided (such as section 3ZZGE in relation to information to be given to the Ombudsman), the law relating to legal professional privilege is maintained.

698.

Item 52 - Paragraphs 15AA(2)(c) and (d)

699. Subsection 15AA(2) provides the offences for which bail is not to be granted except in exceptional circumstances. Terrorism offences (except an offence against 102.8 of the Criminal Code) are covered by paragraph 15AA(2)(a). Paragraphs 15AA(2)(c) and (d) cover, amongst other things, Division 80 of the Criminal Code.

700. This item inserts a reference to 'Subdivision C of' after the words 'provision of' in paragraphs 15AA(2)(c) and (d). This item is consequential to amending item 35, which inserts Subdivision B of Division 80 of the Criminal Code in the definition of 'terrorism offence' in subsection 3(1) of the Crimes Act.

701. As the definition of terrorism offences now includes Subdivision B of Division 80 (by amending item 35), it is not necessary to refer to all of Division 80 in paragraphs 15AA(2)(c) and (d) as Subdivision B of Division 80 will be covered in paragraph 15AA(2)(a). The only other Subdivision in Division 80 that contains offence provisions is Subdivision C. Item 52 inserts reference to Subdivision C into paragraphs 15AA(2)(c) and (d) to reflect the change made to the definition of terrorism offence by item 35.

Item 53 - After paragraph 15YU(1)(f)

702. This item is consequential to items 110 and 144, which repeal the Foreign Incursions Act and insert a new Part 5.5 in the Criminal Code. The offences in the Foreign Incursions Act are consolidated in the new Division 119 of Part 5.5 of the Criminal Code.

703. Item 53 inserts paragraph (fa) into subsection 15YU(1) providing that Part IAE, which relates to the use of video link evidence in proceedings for terrorism and related offences, applies to offences against Part 5.5 of the Criminal Code.

Item 54 - Paragraph 15YU(1)(j)

704. This item is consequential to amending item 144, which repeals the Foreign Incursions Act. Item 53 repeals paragraph 15YU(1)(j), which relates to offences committed under the Foreign Incursions Act.

Item 55 - Application of amendments

705. This item provides that paragraph 15YU(1)(j) will continue to apply, despite the commencement of item 54, in relation to any proceedings for an offence against the Foreign Incursions Act. Item 55 necessarily ensures that any proceedings involving offences against the Foreign Incursions Act will continue to be able to use the video link provisions in Part IAE despite the repeal of that Act.

Item 56 - Subsection 23DB(1) (note)

706. This item omits the reference to section '3W(2)' in the note of subsection 23DB(1) and inserts '3WA(2)'. The amendment is consequential to the insertion of new arrest provisions for terrorism offences and offences against section 80.2C of the Criminal Code under new section 3WA (see item 47).

707. Subsection 23DB(1) provides that the provisions in section 23DB apply to persons arrested for terrorism offences. The note to the subsection outlines that a person will not be arrested for a terrorism offence if that person has been released under section 3W(2). As the arrest provisions for terrorism offence will now be contained in section 3WA, the amended reference refers to new subsection 3WA(2).

Criminal Code Act 1995

Items 57 to 62 - Amendments to Division 80 of the Criminal Code

708. These items amend the humanitarian aid defence for the offence of 'Treason-materially assisting enemies', insert a new offence for advocating terrorism into Division 80 of the Criminal Code, and make minor amendments consequential to the insertion of that new offence. Further information about each item is provided below.

Item 57 - Part 5.1 of the Criminal Code (heading)

709. This item replaces the existing heading with a new heading 'Part 5.1-Treason, urging violence and advocating terrorism', acknowledging the inclusion of a new offence for advocating terrorism in Part 5.1.

Item 58 - Division 80 of the Criminal Code (heading)

710. This item replaces the existing heading with a new heading 'Division 80-Treason, urging violence and advocating terrorism', acknowledging the inclusion of a new offence for advocating terrorism in Division 80.

Item 59 - Subsection 80.1AA(6) of the Criminal Code

711. This item inserts the word 'solely' in subsection 80.1AA(6) of the Criminal Code to limit the humanitarian aid defence to the treason offences of materially assisting enemies to circumstances where the conduct was undertaken solely for humanitarian aid reasons.

712. This is designed to prevent a person who engages in treasonous conduct but also, for example, takes bandages with him or her in order to be able to render first aid to another person, from relying on the defence on the basis that one of the reasons for the persons conduct related to humanitarian aid.

Item 60 - Subdivision C of Division 80 of the Criminal Code (heading)

713. This item replaces the existing heading with a new heading 'Subdivision C-Urging violence and advocating terrorism', acknowledging the inclusion of a new offence for advocating terrorism in Subdivision C of Division 80.

Item 61 - At the end of Subdivision C of Division 80 of the Criminal Code

714. This item inserts new section 80.2C providing the new 'Advocating terrorism' offence at the end of Subdivision C of Division 80.

715. New subsection 80.2C(1) creates a new offence for advocating the doing of a terrorist act or the commission of a terrorism offence where the person intentionally engages in the conduct reckless as to whether another person will engage in a terrorist act or commit a terrorism offence.

716. Where there is sufficient evidence, the existing offences of incitement (section 11.4 of the Criminal Code) or urging violence (in Division 80 of the Criminal Code)-which have higher penalties-are pursued. However, these offences require proof that the person intended the crime or violence to be committed, and there are circumstances where there is insufficient evidence to meet that threshold. This is because persons advocating terrorism can be very sophisticated about the precise language they use, even though their overall message still has the impact of encouraging others to engage in terrorist acts.

717. Furthermore, in the current threat environment, returning foreign fighters and the use of social media are accelerating the speed at which persons can become radicalised and prepare to carry out terrorist acts. It is no longer the case that explicit statements (which would provide evidence to meet the threshold of intention and could be used in a prosecution for inciting terrorist acts of urging violence) are required to inspire others to take potentially devastating action in Australia or overseas. The cumulative effect of more generalised statements when made by a person in a position of influence and authority can still have the impact of directly encouraging others to go overseas and fight or commit terrorist acts domestically. This effect is compounded with the circulation of graphic violent imagery (such as beheading videos) in the same online forums as the statements are being made. Law enforcement agencies require tools to intervene earlier in the radicalisation process to prevent and disrupt further engagement in terrorist activity. This new offence is intended to be one of those tools.

718. New subsection 80.2C(1) includes a note that refers readers to the existing defence in section 80.3 of the Criminal Code for acts done in good faith. This defence protects the implied freedom of political communication, and specifically excludes from the offence, among other things, publishing a report or commentary about a matter of public interest in good faith.

719. The offence carries a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment, recognising the severity of the potential consequences of encouraging others to engage in terrorist acts and commit terrorism offences.

720. New subsection 80.2C(2) provides that, for the purposes of the offence in subsection 80.2C(1), a 'terrorism offence' is limited to an offence punishable by at least five years imprisonment; does not include an offence against section 11.1 (attempt), section 11.4 (incitement) or section 11.5 (conspiracy) to the extent that it relates to a terrorism offence; and does not include a terrorism offence that a person is taken to have committed because of section 11.2 (complicity and common purpose), section 11.2A (joint commission) or section 11.3 (commission by proxy).

721. New subsection 80.2C(3) defines 'advocates' as counselling, promoting, encouraging or urging the doing of a terrorist act or the commission of a terrorism offence. Those expressions will have their ordinary meaning. The terms 'promotes' and 'encourages' are not defined. The ordinary meaning of each of the relevant expressions varies, but it is important that they be interpreted broadly to ensure a person who advocates terrorism does not escape punishment by relying on a narrow construction of the terms or one of the terms. However, some examples of the ordinary meaning of each of the expressions follow: to 'counsel' the doing of an act (when used as a verb) is to urge the doing or adoption of the action or to recommend doing the action; to 'encourage' means to inspire or stimulate by assistance of approval; to promote' means to advance, further or launch; and 'urge' covers pressing by persuasion or recommendation, insisting on, pushing along and exerting a driving or impelling force.

722. While there may be some overlap between the expressions, it is clear that they do not cover merely commenting on or drawing attention to a factual scenario, particularly when combined with relevant defences. For example, conduct such as pointing out that a government policy is mistaken, contains an error, or is defective in good faith, are clearly covered by the defence in paragraphs 80.3(1)(a) and (b) of the Criminal Code. Similarly, conduct such as publishing a report or commentary about a matter of public interest in good faith is covered by the defence in paragraph 80.3(3). This will not stifle true debate that occurs-and should occur-within a democratic and free society. The new offence is designed to capture those communications that create an unacceptable risk of terrorist activity. Accordingly, a successful prosecution will require evidence that the person intentionally communicated something in circumstances where there is a substantial risk that somebody would take that speech as advocating the doing of a terrorist act or the commission of a terrorism offence.

723. Whether specific conduct, such as making or commenting on a particular post on the internet or the expression of support for a listed terrorist organisation is captured by the offence will depend on all the facts and circumstances because whether a person has actually 'advocated' the doing of a terrorist act or the commission of a terrorism offence will ultimately be a consideration for judicial authority based on all the facts.

724. New subsection 80.2C(3) also defines 'terrorism offence' so that it has the same meaning as in subsection 3(1) of the Crimes Act. However, subsection 80.2C(2) limits the application of the new advocating terrorism offence to those terrorism offences that carry a penalty of at least 5 years imprisonment and are not ancillary offences in Part2.4 of the Criminal Code. New subsection 80.2C(3) defines 'terrorist act' so that it has the same meaning as in section 100.1 of the Criminal Code.

725. New subsection 80.2C(4) makes it clear that a reference to advocating the doing of a terrorist act or commission of a terrorism offence includes a reference to advocating the doing of a terrorist act or commission of a terrorism offence, even if:

•: a terrorist act or terrorism offence does not occur
•: it is in relation to a specific terrorist act or the commission of a specific terrorism offence, or
•: it is in relation to more than one terrorist act or commission of more than one terrorism offence.

Item 62 - Subsection 80.4(2) of the Criminal Code

726. This item adds a reference to new subsection 80.2C(1) in subsection 80.4(2), and is consequential to the insertion of the new offence in subsection 80.2C(1). This provides that extended geographical jurisdiction-category B as defined by existing section 15.2 applies to the new offence. This is consistent with the existing offences for urging violence against groups under subsection 80.2A(2) and urging violence against members of groups under subsection 80.2B(2), which also carry a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment.

Item 62A

727. This item inserts a definition for the term engage in a hostile activity into section 100.1 for the purposes of Part 5.3 of the Criminal Code. The amendment provides that, for the purposes of Part 5.3 of the Criminal Code, 'engage in a hostile activity' has the same meaning as it has in new subsection 117.1(1) of the Criminal Code. This amendment obviates the need to include a cross reference to the definition in subsection 117.1(1) each time the expression is used in Part 5.3.

Item 63 - Subsection 102.1(1) of the Criminal Code (paragraph (a) of the definition of terrorist organisation )

728. This item removes the reference to the expression 'whether or not a terrorist act occurs' in the existing definition of 'terrorist organisation' in paragraph 102.1(1)(a). It is no longer necessary to include that expression following the insertion of new subsection 102.1(20), which defines the doing of a terrorist act for the purposes of revised section 102.1.

Item 64 - Paragraph 102.1(1A)(a) of the Criminal Code

729. This item amends existing paragraph 102.1(1A)(a) of the Criminal Code to ensure that an organisation can be listed as a terrorist organisation for advocating a terrorist act where the organisation directly or indirectly counsels, promotes, encourages or urges the doing of a terrorist act by the addition of the words 'promotes' and 'encourages'.

730. The terms 'promotes' and 'encourages' are not defined. The ordinary meaning of 'encourages' the doing of a terrorist act could include conduct or statements that inspire an individual to commit a terrorist act. The ordinary meaning of 'promotes' the doing of a terrorist act could include conduct or statements such as launching a campaign to commit terrorist acts.

731. While there may be some overlap with 'counsels' or 'urges' the doing of a terrorist act, which may include conduct such as inducement, persuasion or insistence, or to give advice, or an opinion about the doing of a terrorist act, the inclusion of the additional terms is designed to ensure coverage of a broader range of conduct that may be considered as advocating a terrorist act, beyond the conduct of 'counsels' or 'urges'.

732. An organisation could be listed as a terrorist organisation under paragraph 102.1(1)(b) of the definition of terrorist organisation on the basis of statements made by the organisation that satisfy the definition of 'advocates' under subsection 102.1(1A). However, if the organisation ceases to be actively and directly involved in committing terrorist acts, and becomes more involved in the direct or indirect promotion of a 'terrorist' ideology or methodology, the inclusion of the terms promotes or encourages become a greater factor in considering whether the organisation continues to advocate the doing of a terrorist act.

733. An organisation could continue to have a significant influence in promoting or encouraging terrorism by others without necessarily engaging in terrorist acts itself, without directly counselling or urging the doing of a terrorist act.

734. The inclusion of the terms 'promotes' and 'encourages' in paragraph 102.1(1A)(a) is consistent with section 3 of the United Kingdom's Terrorism Act 2000, which provides that an organisation is concerned in terrorism if it promotes or encourages terrorism.

Item 65 - Subsections 102.1(2), (4) and (17) of the Criminal Code

735. This item omits the expression 'whether or not a terrorist act has occurred or will occur' from existing subsections 102.1(2), (4) and (17). It is no longer necessary to include that expression following the insertion of new subsection 102.1(20) which defines the doing of a terrorist act for the purposes of revised section 102.1.

Item 66 - At the end of section 102.1 of the Criminal Code

736. This item inserts new subsection 102.1(20) into the definitions section. New subsection 102.1(20) provides that, whenever there is a reference in section 102.1 to the doing of a 'terrorist act', that reference is to be interpreted as including the doing of a terrorist act whether or not any terrorist act has occurred, the doing of a specific terrorist act, and the doing of more than one terrorist act.

737. This amendment has two elements. The first is technical arising from the omission of the words 'whether or not a terrorist act occurs' referred to in items 63 and 65 above. The second is to clarify that it is not necessary to prove that an organisation that directly or indirectly does any of the things listed in paragraphs 102.1(1)(a) or (b) of the definition of 'terrorist organisation', or section 102.1(1A) of the definition of 'advocates', relates to a particular terrorist act. It can be a specific terrorist act, more than one terrorist act and the terrorist act does not have to occur.

Item 67 - After section 102.1 of the Criminal Code

738. This item inserts a new section 102.1AA 'Including or removing names of prescribed terrorist organisations' after existing section 102.1.

739. New subsection 102.1AA(1) provides that the new section 102.1AA applies where the Minister is satisfied on reasonable grounds that a terrorist organisation is specified in regulations under the Criminal Code and is referred to by a name in addition to, or instead of, the name to specify the organisation (an alias) or no longer uses a name specified in the regulations (a former name). Provided the requirements of new subsection 102.1AA(1) apply new subsection 102.1AA(2) provides that the Minister may add an alias and/or remove a former name from the regulation by legislative instrument.

740. New subsection 102.1AA(3) makes it clear that amendment of regulations under new subsection 102.1AA(2) does not prevent the further amendment or repeal of regulations made under the main regulation making power, section 5 of the Criminal Code Act, nor does it affect the sunset date for the regulations.

741. New subsection 102.1AA(4) precludes the Attorney-General from amending regulations to 'delist' a terrorist organisation.

742. New subsection 102.1AA(5) is an avoidance of doubt measure that new section 102.1AA does not affect the power under section 5 of the Criminal Code Act to make regulations for the purposes of paragraph (b) of the definition of 'terrorist organisation' in subsection 102.1(1).

743. This item partially implements recommendation VI/1of the INSLM's fourth report.

Item 68 - Section 102.5 of the Criminal Code (heading)

744. This item repeals the existing heading for section 102.5 of the Criminal Code and replaces it with a new heading '102.5 Training involving a terrorist organisation' reflecting amendments to extending the conduct criminalised in section 102.5.

Item 69 - Paragraphs 102.5(1)(a) and 102.5(2)(a) of the Criminal Code

745. This item repeals existing paragraphs 102.5(1)(a) and 102.5(2)(a) and replaces them with new paragraph 102.5(1)(a) and paragraph 102.5(2)(a).

746. New paragraph 102.5(1)(a) provides that the training offence in subsection 102.5(1) is made out not only where the person intentionally provides training to or receives training from an organisation, but where the person intentionally participates in training with an organisation, where the person is reckless as to whether the organisation providing or receiving the training is a terrorist organisation. This offence applies whether or not the organisation was a listed terrorist organisation.

747. New paragraph 102.5(2)(a) similarly provides that the training offence in subsection 102.5(2) is made out not only where the person intentionally provides training to or receives training from an organisation, but where the person intentionally participates in training with an organisation that is a listed terrorist organisation.

748. These amendments are designed to facilitate prosecutions in circumstances where there are no formally defined teaching and learning roles in a training session, where it is clear that a person has participated in training with a terrorist organisation, but the nature of the training or the circumstances in which it occurred means it is not possible to ascertain whether the person provided or received the training. An example would be where a group of like-minded individuals decide to acquire weapons and meet at a location to practice using them, for the purpose of directly or indirectly engaging in, preparing, planning, assisting in or fostering the doing of a terrorist act.

749. These amendments implement recommendation 17 of the COAG Review.

Items 70 to 87 - Amendments to Division 104 of the Criminal Code -Control Orders

750. These items amend Division 104 of the Criminal Code, which sets out the Commonwealth's control order regime.

751. Control orders provide law enforcement agencies with a legal basis upon which to take appropriate action to prevent a terrorist threat from eventuating in circumstances where there are insufficient grounds for arrest, but a person is nonetheless assessed as presenting a credible risk to public safety and security. This is particularly relevant in respect of emerging threats presented by Australians returning from conflict zones overseas. The small number of control orders made to date reflects the policy intent that they are extraordinary measures which are to be used sparingly.

Item 70 - Paragraph 104.2(2)(a) of the Criminal Code

752. This item replaces the word 'considers' with 'suspects' in paragraph 104.2(2)(a). This changes the threshold for a senior AFP member seeking the Attorney-General's consent to request an interim control order to circumstances where the member suspects on reasonable grounds that the order would substantially assist in preventing a terrorist act, making it consistent with the threshold in existing and revised paragraph 104.2(2)(b).

753. Reducing the threshold for seeking the Attorney-General's consent to request an interim control order brings the threshold for that ground in line with the threshold for the other existing and proposed new grounds. This amendment implements a recommendation of the COAG that there should be uniformity between the statutory pre-conditions (paragraph 229). COAG initially recommended 'considers' for both, but 'suspects' has been adopted. While technically this lowers the threshold for the applicant to seek consent, it does not change the threshold of which the court needs to be satisfied prior to making an interim order because the issuing court must still be satisfied on the balance of probabilities when making an interim control order that the order would substantially assist in preventing a terrorist act.

754. This amendment follows law enforcement advice that the current threshold for seeking consent to apply for an interim control order is too high. While this lowers the threshold for seeking consent to apply, an issuing court must still be satisfied of the various matters set out in the legislation on the balance of probabilities before it can make an interim control order, including that each of the obligations, prohibitions and restrictions to be imposed on the person by the order is reasonably necessary and reasonably appropriate and adapted for the purpose of protecting the public from a terrorist act.

Item 71 - Paragraph 104.2(2)(b) of the Criminal Code

755. This item repeals the existing criteria for seeking the Attorney-General's consent to request an interim control order under paragraph 104.2(2)(b) and replaces it with three criteria.

756. The first criteria at subparagraph 104.2(2)(b)(i) expands the existing training criteria to authorise a senior AFP member to seek the Attorney-General's consent to request an interim control order in relation to a person the member reasonably suspects has provided training to, received training from, or participated in training with a listed terrorist organisation. This amendment broadens the criteria for seeking consent to request an interim control order, consistent with the revised terrorist organisation training offence in subsection 102.5(2).

757. The new criteria at subparagraphs 104.2(2)(b)(ii), (iii) and (iv) authorise a senior AFP member to seek consent to request an interim control order in relation to a person the member reasonably suspects has engaged in a hostile activity in a foreign country, has been convicted in Australia of an offence relating to terrorism, a terrorist organisation or a terrorist act or has been convicted overseas for an offence that would, if it occurred in Australia, be a terrorism offence within the definition in subsection 3(1) of the Crimes Act.

758. The addition of these criteria follow law enforcement advice that there is a gap in the control order regime that currently precludes them from seeking consent to apply for a control order against a person who has actually engaged in foreign fighting activity or been convicted of a terrorism offence where those persons pose a risk to the community. The inclusion of these additional criteria will facilitate the placing of appropriate controls over such individuals where this would substantially assist in preventing a terrorist act. The requirement that a conviction overseas only be grounds for seeking a control order where that offence would, if it occurred in Australia, be a terrorism offence within the definition in subsection 3(1) of the Crimes Act implements Recommendation 9 of the Report of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security.

759. These enhancements will better enable the AFP to mitigate the threat posed by individuals who have engaged in hostile activities overseas, developed capabilities or otherwise demonstrated their commitment to a terrorist cause. It will also be available against those convicted of terrorism offences and who may re-engage with terrorism. However, regardless of the ground on which the AFP member requesting the control order is relying, it is always necessary for the issuing court to be satisfied that imposing the obligations, prohibitions and restrictions sought to be imposed on the person is reasonably necessary and reasonably appropriate and adapted for the purpose of protecting the public from a terrorist act.

Item 72 - At the end of section 104.2 of the Criminal Code

760. This item adds a new subsection to section 104.2, which sets out the criteria for seeking consent to request an interim control order. Consistent with new subsection 102.1(20), new subsection 104.2(6) makes it clear that a reference to a terrorist act in paragraph 104.2(2)(a) and (b) is to be interpreted as including a terrorist act whether or not any terrorist act has occurred, a specific terrorist act, and more than one terrorist act.

761. In relation to paragraph 104.2(2)(a), this amendment is designed to further clarify that an AFP member can seek the Attorney-General's consent to apply for a control order without having to prove that a particular terrorism act provides the grounds for the order. This is important to ensure a person who poses a risk to the public in the form of terrorism cannot avoid being placed under a control order merely because there is no information about the specific means by which the person is likely to do a terrorist act or the precise target of the terrorist act.

762. In relation to paragraph 104.2(2)(b), this amendment is designed to further clarify that an AFP member can seek the Attorney-General's consent to apply for a control order without having to prove that a conviction in Australia or a foreign country of an offence relates to a particular terrorist act. This is consistent with the existing terrorist act offences at sections 101.2, 101.4, 101.5 and 101.6 of the Criminal Code.

Item 73 - Subparagraph 104.4(1)(c)(ii) of the Criminal Code

763. This item repeals existing subparagraph 104.4(1)(c)(ii) which sets out the criteria for making an interim control order and replaces it with expanded criteria, consistent with the expanded criteria for seeking consent to request such an order.

764. The expanded and new criteria at subparagraphs 104.4(1)(c)(ii), (iii), (iv) and (v) now authorise an issuing court to make an interim control order in relation to a person where the court is satisfied on the balance of probabilities that the person has provided training to, received training from, or participated in training with a listed terrorist organisation, has engaged in a hostile activity in a foreign country, has been convicted in Australia of an offence relating to terrorism, a terrorist organisation or a terrorist act or has been convicted overseas for an offence that would, if it occurred in Australia, be a terrorism offence within the definition in subsection 3(1) of the Crimes Act.

765. The inclusion of these additional criteria are consistent with the new criteria set out in subparagraph 104.2(2)(b)(ii), (iii) and (iv). Their inclusion will fill an existing gap in the control order regime by facilitating the placing of appropriate controls over individuals who have engaged in foreign fighting or have been convicted of a relevant offence where this would substantially assist in preventing a terrorist act

Item 74 - At the end of section 104.4 of the Criminal Code

766. This item inserts new subsection 104.4(4) at the end of existing section 104.4. Consistent with new subsection 104.2(6) which relates to requests to seek control orders, new subsection 104.4(4) makes it clear that a reference to a terrorist act in paragraph 104.4(1)(c) or (d) is to be interpreted as including a terrorist act whether or not any terrorist act has occurred or will occur, a specific terrorist act, and one or more terrorist acts.

767. This amendment is designed to further clarify that an issuing court can make a control order without proof of the particular terrorist act that provides the grounds for the order.

Item 75 - At the end of paragraph 104.5(3)(c) of the Criminal Code

768. This item amends paragraph 104.5(3)(c), which provides for a control order to include a requirement that the person subject to an interim control order remain at specified premises between specified times each day or on specified days. Amended paragraph 104.5(3)(c) limits the period for which a person can be required to remain at specified premises to a maximum of twelve hours within any twenty-four hour period. This is designed to address concerns that this restriction could otherwise be used to impose house arrest on a person.

769. A period of up to twelve hours is considered reasonable and appropriate to the threat posed by the individual. Such a restriction is not anticipated to interfere with the person's ability to engage in the usual activities of daily living, such as engaging in appropriate employment, taking children and other family members to work or other appropriate appointments and engagements, and engaging in social activities, provided none of those activities would require the person to contravene one of the other terms of the control order.

770. This amendment implements the Government's response to recommendation 34 of the COAG Review.

Item 76 - Paragraphs 104.6(1)(b) and 104.8(1)(b) of the Criminal Code

771. This item omits the words 'either considers or' and is consequential to the amendments to paragraphs 104.2(2)(a) (b) which change the threshold for seeking consent for an interim control order from 'considers' to 'suspects' on reasonable grounds.

Item 77 - Subparagraph 104.12(1)(b)(iii) of the Criminal Code

772. This item removes the word 'and' from subparagraph 104.12(1)(b)(iii), consequential to the addition of new subparagraph 104.12(1)(b)(iv) after subparagraph 104.12(1)(b)(iii).

Item 78 - At the end of paragraph 104.12(1)(b) of the Criminal Code

773. This item adds new paragraphs 104.12(1)(iv) to (ix) at the end of existing subsection 104.12(1), which sets out the matters the AFP must inform the person the subject of an interim control order at the time of serving the order on that person. This provision provides an important safeguard for persons the subject of a control order by placing an obligation on the AFP member serving the order not only to explain the person's rights but to take appropriate steps to ensure the person understands them.

774. New paragraphs 104.12(1)(iv) and (vii) require the AFP member to inform the person that he or she may have appeal and review rights in relation to any decision of an issuing court to make and confirm the order.

775. New paragraphs 104.12(1)(v) and (vi) require the AFP member to inform the person of the person's right to attend court on the day specified in the order for the purposes of confirming, declaring void, or revoking the interim control order and also of the person's right to have one or more representatives adduce evidence or make submissions to the issuing court if the order is confirmed.

776. New paragraph 104.12(1)(viii) requires the AFP member to inform the person of the person's right to apply for an order revoking or varying the order if it is confirmed.

777. New paragraph 104.12(1)(ix) requires the AFP member to inform the person of the person's right to have one or more representatives adduce evidence or make submissions to the issuing court in relation to an application by the AFP Commissioner to revoke or vary the order or to add obligations, prohibitions or restrictions to the order if it is confirmed.

778. Existing subsection 104.12(3) provides that the obligations on the AFP member to serve the order on the person personally and to explain the person's rights and take appropriate steps to ensure they are understood, do not apply if the actions of the person to whom the interim control order relates makes it impractical for the AFP member to do so. This could include a situation where the person is violent towards the member, but would not include a situation where the person's comprehension of English is poor. In such a case, the AFP member would be required to make appropriate arrangements to ensure the person is aware of and can understand his or her rights.

779. This amendment implements recommendation 32 of the COAG Review.

Item 79 - Section 104.17 of the Criminal Code

780. This item inserts subsection number '(1)' before the text of existing section 104.17 to convert existing section 104.17 to subsection 104.17(1). This amendment is consequential to the addition of new paragraphs 104.17(1)(a) to (c) and subsections 104.17(2) and (3).

Item 80 - Section 104.17 of the Criminal Code

781. This item omits the words after 'section 104.14,' in subsection 104.17, which provides for the service of a declaration, revocation, variation of confirmation of a control order, and replaces them with three new paragraphs. These amendments provide additional safeguards for individuals the subject of an interim control order where the status of that order changes.

782. New paragraph 104.17(1)(a) requires the AFP member to serve the relevant declaration, revocation, or confirmed control order personally on the person.

783. New paragraph 104.17(1)(b) provides that, if the court confirms the interim control order-with or without variation-the AFP must inform the person that he or she may have appeal and review rights in relation to the decision of the issuing court to confirm the order, he or she has the right to apply under section 104.18 for an order revoking or varying the order, and that he or she, or one or more of his or her representatives, has the right to adduce evidence or make submissions in relation to an application to revoke or vary the order.

784. New paragraph 104.17(1)(c) provides that, where the court has confirmed the interim control order, the AFP member must ensure the person understands the information provided. In doing so, the AFP member must take into account the person's individual circumstances, including age, language skills and mental capacity.

785. This amendment implements recommendation 32 of the COAG Review.

Item 81 - At the end of section 104.17 of the Criminal Code

786. This item adds subsections 104.17(2) and (3) to revised section 104.17.

787. New subsection 104.17(2) provides that the obligations on the AFP member to inform the person of certain matters and to ensure the person understands those matters (imposed by paragraphs 104.17(1)(b) and (c)) do not apply if the actions of the person make compliance impracticable.

788. New subsection 104.17(3) makes it clear that a failure by the AFP member to ensure the person understands the matters set out in new paragraph 104.17(1)(b) does not impact on the effectiveness of the control order. This is an important safeguard for a number of reasons. For example, the person could advise the AFP member they understand the information provided and behave in a manner consistent with understanding the information provided, but not actually understand it. It would be difficult if not impossible for the AFP member to be aware of that. Alternatively, the person could be acting violently towards the AFP member and it could be impractical for the AFP member to ensure the person understands the information.

Item 81A - Subsection 104.23(1) of the Criminal Code

789. This item amends subsection 104.23(1) of the Criminal Code, which provides for the applications for variation of a control order by the Commissioner of the AFP.

790. This item provides that the Commissioner of the AFP may apply to an issuing court to add one or more obligations, prohibitions or restrictions to a confirmed control order where the Commissioner suspects on reasonable grounds that either:

•

the varied order would substantially assist in preventing the provision of support for or the facilitation of a terrorist act, or

•

the person the subject of the order has either:

•: participated in training with a terrorist organisation
•: engaged in or support for or otherwise facilitated engagement in a hostile activity in a foreign country
•: been convicted of a terrorism related offence in Australia, or
•: been convicted of an offence overseas that would, if the conduct occurred in Australia, be a terrorism offence within the meaning of the definition in subsection 3(1) of the Crimes Act.

791. The change of the threshold from 'considers' to 'suspects' on reasonable grounds for the ground of substantially assisting in preventing a terrorist act at revised paragraph 104.23(1)(a) is consistent with the amendment to the threshold for requesting an interim control order under paragraph 104.2(2)(a).

Item 82 - At the end of section 104.23 of the Criminal Code

792. This item adds a new subsection to section 104.23, which provides for the Commissioner of the AFP to cause an application to be made to vary a confirmed control order by adding one or more obligations, prohibitions or restrictions. New subsection 104.23(6) makes it clear that a reference to a terrorist act in subsection 104.23(1) is to be interpreted as including a terrorist act whether or not any terrorist act has occurred or will occur, a specific terrorist act, and one or more terrorist acts.

793. This amendment is designed to further clarify that the AFP Commissioner can seek a variation without having to prove a particular terrorist act that provides the grounds for the variation.

Item 83 - At the end of section 104.24 of the Criminal Code

794. This item adds a new subsection to section 104.24, which provides an issuing court can vary a confirmed control order by adding one or more obligations, prohibitions or restrictions. New subsection 104.24(4) makes it clear that a reference to a terrorist act in paragraph 104.24(1)(b) is to be interpreted as including a terrorist act whether or not any terrorist act has occurred or will occur, a specific terrorist act, and one or more terrorist acts.

795. This amendment is designed to further clarify that an issuing court can vary a confirmed control order by adding conditions without a requirement for the variation to relate to a particular terrorist act.

Item 84 - Subparagraph 104.26(1)(c)(ii) of the Criminal Code

796. This item removes the word 'and' from subparagraph 104.26(1)(c)(ii), consequential to the addition of new subparagraphs 104.26(1)(c)(iii), (iv) and (v) after subparagraph 104.26(1)(c)(ii).

Item 85 - At the end of paragraph 104.26(1)(c) of the Criminal Code

797. This item adds new subparagraphs 104.26(1)(c)(iii), (iv) and (v) at the end of existing paragraph 104.26(1)(c), which sets out the matters the AFP must inform the person the subject of a varied control order at the time of serving the order on that person.

798. New subparagraph 104.26(1)(c)(iii) requires the AFP member to inform the person that he or she may have appeal and review rights in relation to any decision of an issuing court to make and confirm the order.

799. New subparagraphs 104.26(1)(c)(iv) and (v) require the AFP member to inform the person of the person's right to make an application to revoke or vary the order and also of the person's right to have one or more representatives adduce evidence or make submissions in relation to any such application.

800. Existing subsection 104.26(3) provides that the obligations on the AFP member to serve the order on the person personally and to explain the person's rights and take appropriate steps to ensure they are understood, do not apply if the actions of the person to whom the interim control order relates makes it impractical for the AFP member to do so. This could include a situation where the person is violent towards the member, but would not include a situation where the person's comprehension of English is poor. In such a case, the AFP member would be required to make appropriate arrangements to ensure the person is aware of and can understand his or her rights.

801. This amendment implements recommendation 32 of the COAG Review.

Items 86 to 87 - Subsection 104.32(1) and (2) of the Criminal Code

802. These items amend section 104.32 to ensure the control order regime continues until 7 September 2018. This amendment recognises the enduring nature of the terrorist threat and the important role of control orders in mitigating and responding to that threat.

803. In light of the increasing threat the escalating terrorist situation in Iraq and Syria poses to the security of all Australians, both here in Australia and overseas, it is vital that law enforcement agencies continue to have access to all tools that could be required to combat this threat and protect Australia and Australians from terrorist acts.

804. The date for the sunset was selected in response to Recommendation 13 of the Report of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, which proposed a sunset date of 'two years after the last Federal election'. The 7 September 2018 date was selected to provide greater certainty regarding the duration of these powers rather than referring to the uncertain date. This date is two years after the third anniversary of the last general election.

Items 88 to 108 - Amendments to Division 105 of the Criminal Code -Preventative detention orders

805. These items amend Division 105 of the Criminal Code, which sets out the Commonwealth regime for preventative detention.

806. PDOs provide law enforcement agencies with a legal basis to take appropriate action to prevent a terrorist threat from eventuating or to preserve evidence in the immediate aftermath of a terrorist act where there are insufficient grounds for arrest, but a person is nonetheless assessed as presenting a credible risk to public safety. This is particularly relevant in respect of emerging threats presented by Australians returning from conflict zones overseas. The fact that no PDOs have been made to date reflects the policy intent that they are extraordinary measures which are to be used sparingly.

Item 88 - Subsection 105.4(4) of the Criminal Code

807. This item repeals existing subsection 105.4(4) to provide for a subjective test for an AFP member applying for a PDO in relation to a person.

808. New paragraph 105.4(4)(a) provides that an AFP member may apply for a PDO in relation to a person where the member 'suspects' one or more of the listed matters 'on reasonable grounds'. The threshold is being changed on the advice of law enforcement that the use of the subjective test of suspects on reasonable grounds is more appropriate. The use of that threshold is designed to ensure that, not only are there reasonable grounds upon which to form the suspicion, but the AFP member has actually formed the suspicion.

809. New paragraph 105.4(4)(b) retains the requirement that the issuing authority is satisfied there are reasonable grounds to suspect that the relevant person will do one of the things listed. The listed matters are that the person will engage in a terrorist act, possesses a thing connected with the preparation for or engagement in a terrorist act, or has done an act in preparation or planning a terrorist act.

810. New paragraphs 105.4(4)(c) and (d) retain the requirements for both the AFP member and the issuing authority to be satisfied that making the order would substantially assist in preventing a terrorist act occurring and that detaining the person is reasonably necessary to substantially assist in preventing a terrorist act.

811. This item implements the Government's response to recommendation III/1 of the INSLM's second annual report.

Item 89 - Paragraph 105.4(6)(b) of the Criminal Code

812. This item changes the threshold in paragraph 105.4(6)(b) for detaining a person under a PDO to circumstances where the AFP member or issuing authority is satisfied that detention is 'reasonably necessary' to preserve evidence of or relating to a terrorist act that occurred within the last 28 days. The existing additional requirements in paragraphs 105.4(6)(a) and (c) are not changed.

813. This item implements recommendation III/3 of the INSLM's second annual report.

Item 90 - Paragraph 105.7(2)(a) of the Criminal Code

814. This item repeals paragraph 105.7(2)(a) which sets out the requirements for an application to an issuing authority for an initial PDO in relation to a person.

815. Subparagraph 105.7(2)(a)(i) retains the ability for an AFP member to apply for an initial PDO in writing, and clarifies that this does not include writing by means of an electronic communication.

816. New subparagraph 105.7(2)(a)(ii) authorises an AFP member to apply for an initial PDO orally where the AFP member considers it necessary because of urgent circumstances. The provision authorises the AFP member to apply orally in person or by telephone, fax, email or other electronic means of communication. This inclusive description is designed to ensure other forms of electronic communication, including those not contemplated or not invented at the time of the amendment can be used to make an oral application.

817. This amendment clarifies that, under normal circumstances, an application should be made in writing in the presence of an issuing authority. However, where the situation is urgent, for example, because the person is thought to be about to abscond, destroy evidence or undertake actions in furtherance of a terrorist act, or because it is not possible to make an application to an issuing authority in person within a reasonable period of time due to physical location or other limitations, an urgent oral application can be made.

Item 91 - After subsection 105.7(2A) of the Criminal Code

818. This item inserts new subsection 105.7(2B) at the end of existing subsection 105.7(2A). New subsection 105.7(2B) requires that, where an AFP member makes an application orally under new subparagraph 105.7(2)(a)(ii), the AFP member must subsequently verify or give the information that was previously provided orally to the relevant issuing authority on oath or affirmation. The use of the expression 'verify' acknowledges that the information provided orally should be provided again (in writing) in writing. The use of the expression 'give' acknowledges that information in addition to the information previously provided could also be provided in writing.

819. New subsection 105.7(2B) provides for an exception to this requirement where the issuing authority is satisfied that it is not practical to administer an oath or affirmation to the AFP member. This is a safeguard to ensure that, where unforeseen circumstances arise that make it impractical to administer an oath or affirmation, it does not compromise the validity of the application and the PDO that was made.

Item 92 - Subsection 105.8(1) of the Criminal Code

820. This item inserts the words 'subject to subsection (1A)' into subsection 105.8(1). This amendment makes it clear that an issuing authority may make an initial PDO in relation to a person subject to new subsection 105.8(1A).

Item 93 - After subsection 105.8(1) of the Criminal Code

821. This item inserts new subsection 105.8(1A) after subsection 105.8(1). New subsection 105.8(1A) provides that, where an application for an initial PDO is made orally, the issuing authority must not make the order unless the issuing authority is satisfied that it is necessary, because of urgent circumstances, to apply for the order by such means. This is designed to ensure the AFP applies for PDOs in writing in cases where there are not urgent circumstances sufficient to justify the making of an order on the basis of an oral application.

Item 94 - Paragraph 105.8(6)(a) of the Criminal Code

822. paragraph This item repeals paragraph 105.8(6)(a) of the Criminal Code and replaces it with a new paragraph. This amendment ensures an issuing authority can make an initial PDO in relation to a person whose full name is not known, but who can be identified, for example, by a partial name or nickname or description. It is important that a person of security concern cannot escape being the subject of an initial PDO merely because authorities do not know the person's full legal name.

823. New paragraph 105.8(6)(a) provides that an initial preventative detention order may be made by a senior AFP member in relation to a person whose full name is not known.

824. New subparagraph 105.8(6)(a)(i) provides that an initial preventative detention order can be made in relation to an alias by which a person is known only if, after reasonable inquiries have been made, the person's true name is not known. Similarly, new subparagraph 105.8(6)(a)(ii) provides that an initial preventative detention order can be made by reference to a description that is sufficient to identify the person only if, after reasonable inquiries have been made, the person's true name is not known.

825. The amendment implements Recommendation 11 of the Report of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security.

Item 95 - After subsection 105.8(7) of the Criminal Code

826. This item inserts new subsection 105.8(7A) after existing subsection 105.8(7). This amendment provides an important safeguard for persons subject to an initial PDO made orally by requiring the issuing authority to ensure there is either an audio or audio-visual recording of the application (at the time the application is made) or that a written record of the details of the application and any information given in support of the application is made as soon as practicable after the order is made. It also provides a safeguard to the applicant and issuing authority by ensuring there is an accurate record of the information relied upon for the application and making of the order.

Item 95A - Subsection 105.8(8) of the Criminal Code

827. This item inserts the words 'as soon as reasonably practicable after the order is made' after the word 'must' into subsection 105.8(8) of the Criminal Code. This amendment implements Recommendation 12 of the Report of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security by requiring notification to the Commonwealth Ombudsman and provision of a copy of the order to the Commonwealth Ombudsman to occur as soon as reasonably practicable after the order is made.

Item 96 - Paragraph 105.12(6)(a) of the Criminal Code

828. This item repeals paragraph 105.12(6)(a) of the Criminal Code and replaces it with a new paragraph, consistent with the amendment to paragraph 105.8(6)(a). This amendment ensures an issuing authority can make a continued PDO in relation to a person whose full name is not known, but who can be identified, for example, by a partial name or nickname. It is important that a person of security concern cannot escape being the subject of a continued preventative detention in circumstances where authorities still do not know the person's full legal name after the person is taken into detention under an initial PDO.

829. New paragraph 105.12(6)(a) provides that a continued preventative detention order may be made by a judge, AAT member or retired judge in relation to a person whose full name is not known.

830. New subparagraph 105.12(6)(a)(i) provides that a continued preventative detention order can be made in relation to an alias by which a person is known only if, after reasonable inquiries have been made, the person's true name is not known. Similarly, new subparagraph 105.8(6)(a)(ii) provides that a continued preventative detention order can be made by reference to a description that is sufficient to identify the person only if, after reasonable inquiries have been made, the person's true name is not known.

831. The amendment implements Recommendation 11 of the Report of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security.

Item 96A - Subsection 105.12(8) of the Criminal Code

832. This item amends subsection 105.12(8) of the Criminal Code. This amendment implements Recommendation 12 of the Report of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security by requiring notification to the Commonwealth Ombudsman and provision of a copy of the order to the Commonwealth Ombudsman to occur as soon as reasonably practicable after the order is made.

Item 97 - After subsection 105.15(1) of the Criminal Code

833. This item inserts new subsection 105.15(1A) after existing subsection 105.15(1).

834. New paragraph 105.15(1A)(a) retains the ability for an AFP member to apply for a prohibited contact order in writing, and clarifies that this does not include writing by means of an electronic communication.

835. New paragraph 105.15(1A)(b) authorises an AFP member to apply for a prohibited contact order orally where the AFP member considers it necessary because of urgent circumstances. The provision authorises the AFP member to apply orally in person or by telephone, fax, email or other electronic means of communication. This inclusive description is designed to ensure other forms of electronic communication, including those not contemplated or not invented at the time of the amendment can be used to make an oral application.

836. This amendment complements the provisions that authorise an AFP member to apply for and an issuing authority to make an initial PDO. This measure is important to ensure a person the subject of an initial PDO made in urgent circumstances cannot circumvent the provisions providing for the making of a prohibited contact order where one or more of the criteria in subsection 105.14A(4) is satisfied.

837. This amendment clarifies that, under normal circumstances, an application for a prohibited contact order should be made in writing in the presence of an issuing authority. However, where the situation is urgent, for example, because the person is about to be taken into detention or is already in detention and is thought to be about to contact a person in order to facilitate that person absconding, destroying evidence or undertaking actions in furtherance of a terrorist act, or because it is not possible to make an application to an issuing authority in person within a reasonable period of time due to physical location or other limitations, an urgent oral application can be made.

Item 98 - Subsection 105.15(3) of the Criminal Code

838. This item repeals and replaces subsection 105.15(3) and inserts new subsection 105.15(3A).

839. Revised subsection 105.15(3) provides that, where an AFP member applies for a continued PDO and an application for a prohibited contact order is made in writing under subparagraph 105.15(1A)(a), the information in the application for the prohibited contact order must be sworn or affirmed by the AFP member.

840. New subsection 105.15(3A) provides that, where an AFP member applies for a continued PDO and an application for a prohibited contact order is made orally under new subparagraph 105.15(1A)(b), the information in the application for the prohibited contact order must be sworn or affirmed by the AFP member. Subsection 105.15(3A) provides for an exception to this requirement where the issuing authority is satisfied that it is not practical to administer an oath or affirmation to the AFP member.

Item 99 - Subsection 105.15(4) of the Criminal Code

841. This item inserts the words 'subject to subsection (4A)' into subsection 105.15(4). This amendment makes it clear that an issuing authority may make a prohibited contact order in relation to a person subject to new subsection 105.15(4A).

Item 100 - After subsection 105.15(4) of the Criminal Code

842. This item inserts new subsection 105.15(4A) after subsection 105.15(4). New subsection 105.15(4A) provides that, where an application for a prohibited contact order is made orally, the issuing authority must not make the order unless the issuing authority is satisfied that it is necessary, because of urgent circumstances, to apply for the order by such means. This is designed to ensure the AFP applies for prohibited contact orders in writing in cases where there are not urgent circumstances sufficient to justify the making of an order on the basis of an oral application.

843. This amendment clarifies that, under normal circumstances, an application for a prohibited contact order should be made in writing in the presence of an issuing authority. However, where the situation is urgent, for example, because the person is about to be taken into detention or is already in detention and is thought to be about to contact a person in order to facilitate that person absconding, destroying evidence or undertaking actions in furtherance of a terrorist act, or because it is not possible to make an application to an issuing authority in person within a reasonable period of time due to physical location or other limitations, an urgent oral application can be made.

Item 101 - At the end of section 105.15 of the Criminal Code

844. This item inserts new subsection 105.15(7) after existing 105.15(6). This amendment provides an important safeguard for persons subject to a prohibited contact order made orally by requiring the issuing authority to ensure there is either an audio or audio-visual recording of the application (at the time the application is made) or that a written record of the details of the application and any information given in support of the application is made as soon as practicable after the order is made. It also provides a safeguard to the applicant and issuing authority by ensuring there is an accurate record of the information relied upon for the application and making of the order.

Item 102 - After subsection 105.16(1) of the Criminal Code

845. This item inserts new subsection 105.16(1A) after existing subsection 105.16(1).

846. New paragraph 105.16(1A)(a) provides that an AFP member can apply for a prohibited contact order in relation to a person who is already the subject of a PDO in writing, and clarifies that this does not include writing by means of an electronic communication.

847. New paragraph 105.16(1A)(b) provides that an AFP member can apply for a prohibited contact order in relation to a person who is already the subject of a PDO orally where the AFP member considers it necessary because of urgent circumstances. The provision authorises the AFP member to apply orally in person or by telephone, fax, email or other electronic means of communication. This inclusive description is designed to ensure other forms of electronic communication, including those not contemplated or not invented at the time of the amendment can be used to make an oral application.

Item 103 - Subsection 105.16(3) of the Criminal Code

848. This item repeals and replaces subsection 105.16(3) and inserts new subsection 105.16(3A).

849. Revised subsection 105.16(3) provides that, where an AFP member applies for a continued PDO and an application for a prohibited contact order in relation to a person already the subject of a preventative order in writing under subparagraph 105.16(1A)(a), the information in the application for the prohibited contact order must be sworn or affirmed by the AFP member.

850. New subsection 105.16(3A) provides that, where an AFP member applies for a continued PDO and an application for a prohibited contact order is made in relation to a person already the subject of a preventative order orally under new subparagraph 105.16(1A)(b), the information in the application for the prohibited contact order must be sworn or affirmed by the AFP member. Subsection 105.16(3A) provides for an exception to this requirement where the issuing authority is satisfied that it is not practical to administer an oath or affirmation to the AFP member.

Item 104 - Subsection 105.16(4) of the Criminal Code

851. This item inserts the words 'subject to subsection (4A)' into subsection 105.16(4). This amendment makes it clear that an issuing authority may make a prohibited contact order in relation to a person already the subject of a PDO subject to new subsection 105.16(4A).

852. This amendment clarifies that, under normal circumstances, an application for a prohibited contact order should be made in writing in the presence of an issuing authority. However, where the situation is urgent, for example, because the person is already in detention and is thought to be about to contact a person in order to facilitate that person absconding, destroying evidence or undertaking actions in furtherance of a terrorist act, or because it is not possible to make an application to an issuing authority in person within a reasonable period of time due to physical location or other limitations, an urgent oral application can be made.

Item 105 - After subsection 105.16(4) of the Criminal Code

853. This item inserts new subsection 105.16(4A) after subsection 105.16(4). New subsection 105.16(4A) provides that, where an application for a prohibited contact order is made in relation to a person who is already the subject of a PDO orally, the issuing authority must not make the order unless the issuing authority is satisfied that it is necessary, because of urgent circumstances, to apply for the order by such means. This is designed to ensure the AFP applies for prohibited contact orders in writing in cases where there are not urgent circumstances sufficient to justify the making of an order on the basis of an oral application.

Item 106 - At the end of section 105.16 of the Criminal Code

854. This item inserts new subsection 105.16(7) after existing 105.16(6). This amendment provides an important safeguard for persons subject to a prohibited contact order made orally by requiring the issuing authority to ensure there is either an audio or audio-visual recording of the application (at the time the application is made) or that a written record of the details of the application and any information given in support of the application is made as soon as practicable after the order is made. It also provides a safeguard to the applicant and issuing authority by ensuring there is an accurate record of the information relied upon for the application and making of the order.

Items 107 to 108 - Section 105.53 of the Criminal Code

855. This item amends section 105.53 to ensure the operation of the PDO regime will continue until 7 September 2018. This amendment recognises the enduring nature of the terrorist threat and the important role of PDOs in mitigating and responding to that threat.

856. In light of the increasing threat posed by the escalating terrorist situation in Iraq and Syria to the security of all Australians, both here in Australia and overseas, it is vital that law enforcement agencies continue to have access to all tools that could be required to combat this threat and protect Australia and Australians from terrorist acts.

857. The date for the sunset was selected in response to Recommendation 13 of the Report of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, which proposed a sunset date of 'two years after the last Federal election'. The 7 September 2018 date was selected to provide greater certainty regarding the duration of these powers rather than referring to the uncertain date. This date is two years after the third anniversary of the last general election.

Item 109 - At the end of Division 106 of the Criminal Code

858. This item adds new section 106.5 at the end of Division 106 of the Criminal Code. New section 106.5 sets out the application provisions for certain amendments to Divisions 102, 104 and 105 made by the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Foreign Fighters) Act 2014.

859. New subsection 106.5(1) provides that the amendments to section 102.1 made by Schedule 1 to the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Foreign Fighters) Act 2014 do not affect the continuity of any regulations that are in force for the purposes of that section immediately before the commencement of this section.

860. New subsection 106.5(2) provides that the amendments to section 104.2 made by Schedule 1 to the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Foreign Fighters) Act 2014 apply to requests for interim control orders made after the commencement of section 106.5 where the conduct in relation to which the request is made occurs before or after that commencement.

861. New subsection 106.5(3) provides that the amendments to section 104.4 made by Schedule 1 to the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Foreign Fighters) Act 2014 apply to the making of interim control orders requested after the commencement of section 106.5 where the conduct in relation to which the request is made occurs before or after that commencement.

862. New subsection 106.5(4) provides that the amendments to sections 104.6 and 104.8 made by Schedule 1 to the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Foreign Fighters) Act 2014 apply to the making of requests for urgent interim control orders made after the commencement of this section, where the conduct in relation to which the request is made occurs before or after that commencement.

863. New subsection 106.5(4A) provides that the amendment to section 104.23 made by Schedule 1 to the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Foreign Fighters) Act 2014 only applies in relation to control orders where the relevant interim control order is requested after that commencement.

864. New subsection 106.5(5) provides that the amendments to section 105.4 made by Schedule 1 to the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Foreign Fighters) Act 2014 apply in relation to applications for PDOs made after the commencement of section 106.5.

865. New subsection 106.5(6) provides that the amendments to section 105.7 made by Schedule 1 to the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Foreign Fighters) Act 2014 apply in relation to applications for initial PDOs made after the commencement of section 106.5.

866. New subsection 106.5(7) provides that the amendments to section 105.8 made by Schedule 1 to the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Foreign Fighters) Act 2014 apply in relation to initial PDOs made after the commencement of section 106.5.

867. New subsection 106.5(8) provides that the amendment to section 105.12 made by Schedule 1 to the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Foreign Fighters) Act 2014 apply in relation to continued PDOs made after the commencement of section 106.5, regardless of when the initial PDO to which the continued order relates was made.

868. New subsection 106.5(9) provides that the amendments to section 105.15 made by Schedule 1 to the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Foreign Fighters) Act 2014 apply in relation to applications for prohibited contact orders made after the commencement of section 106.5, regardless of when the application for the PDO to which the prohibited contact order relates was made.

869. New subsection 106.5 (10) provides that any amendments to section 105.16 made by Schedule 1 to the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Foreign Fighters) Act 2014 apply in relation to applications for prohibited contact orders made after the commencement of section 106.5, regardless of when the PDO to which the prohibited contact order relates was made.

Item 110 - New Part 5.5 of the Criminal Code

870. Item 110 inserts new 'Part 5.5-Foreign incursions and recruitment' into the Criminal Code. New Part 5.5 contains offences and other provisions based on the Foreign Incursions Act, which is repealed by the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Foreign Fighters) Act 2014.

871. New Part 5.5 will modernise the provisions of the Foreign Incursions Act and addresses the anomalies and mismatches identified by the INSLM during his review of the Foreign Incursions Act in his fourth annual report to ensure that the provisions complement other counter-terrorism laws and enhance the overall effectiveness of the framework. The offences in new Part 5.5 are designed to simplify the offences to ensure they are easier to understand, and to respond to the significant threat to the safety and security of Australia and Australians posed by those who engage in foreign fighting or seek to do so.

Item 110 - At the end of Chapter 5 of the Criminal Code

872. This item inserts new 'Part 5.5-Foreign incursions and recruitment' after Part 5.4.

Part 5.5-Foreign incursions and recruitment

Division 117-Preliminary

873. New Division 117 sets out the definitions relevant to new Part 5.5, provides the criteria for the making of regulations prescribing organisations by the Governor-General, and identifies the geographical jurisdiction that applies for the offences in new Part 5.5.

117.1 Definitions

874. New subsection 117.1(1) contains a number of definitions relevant to the offences and other provisions in Part 5.5.

875. The definition of 'engage in a hostile activity' reflects the definition in the Foreign Incursions Act but expands the definition to include conduct that occurs in the foreign country or any other foreign country (or of a part of that or any other foreign country). This revised definition implements the Government's response to recommendation III/2 of the INSLM's fourth annual report. The definition also includes 'the engagement, by that or any other person, in action that falls within subsection 100.1(2) but does not fall within subsection 100.1(3) and, if engaged in in Australia, would constitute a serious offence', which implements Recommendations 15 and 16 of the Report of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security.

876. The term 'recruit' is defined to include induce, incite or encourage. This revised definition reflects the current definition of 'recruit' contained in Part 5.3 of the Criminal Code. The amendment will modernise the definition used in relation to foreign incursion and recruitment offences and will provide consistency and clarity. The new definition will include 'encourage' which is not new as the definition of 'incite' in the former Foreign Incursions Act included encourage. The amendment implements the Government's response to recommendation III/5 of the INSLM's fourth annual report.

877. This term 'serious offence' is defined for the purposes of new Part 5.5, as an offence against a law of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory, that is punishable by at least 2 years imprisonment. This amendment completes the implementation of Recommendation 16 of the Report of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security by limiting the actions covered by subparagraph 117.1(1)(b) of the definition of 'engage in hostile activity' to conduct that constitutes a serious offence under Australian law. The two year threshold is consistent with section 3C of the Crimes Act, which provides the definition of serious offence for the purposes of the search, information gathering, arrest and related powers in Part IAA of the Crimes Act. It was not considered appropriate to insert a cross reference to that definition because it excludes State offences that do not have a federal aspect and also excludes serious terrorism offences, which are defined separately as 'serious terrorism offences'.

Prescribing organisations

878. New subsection 117.1(2) provides that, before the Governor-General makes a regulation prescribing an organisation for the purposes of paragraph 117.1(1)(a) of the definition of prescribed organisation, the Minister must be satisfied on reasonable grounds that the organisation either is directly or indirectly engaged in, preparing, planning, assisting in or fostering:

•: a serious violation of human rights
•: the engagement, in Australia or a foreign country allied or associated with Australia, in action that falls within subsection 100.1(2) but does not fall within subsection 100.1(3) section
•: a terrorist act within the meaning of section 100.1, or
•: an act prejudicial to the security, defence or international relations (within the meaning of section 10 of the National Security Information (Criminal and Civil Proceedings) Act 2004) of Australia.

section paragraph Attorney-Generalsection section section section section 117.2

Extended geographical jurisdiction-category D

879. New section 117.2 provides that category D extended geographical jurisdiction as defined in section 15.4 of the Criminal Code applies to the offences against Part 5.5 subject to any other restrictions in Part 5.5 to the contrary.

Division 119-Foreign incursions and recruitment

119.1 Incursions into foreign countries with the intention of engaging in hostile activities

880. New section 119.1 creates two offences for entering a foreign country with the intention of engaging in hostile activities and engaging in a hostile activity in a foreign country, and a defence to those offences. The penalties for these offences implement recommendation III/7 of the INSLM's fourth annual report, that the penalty provisions in sections 101.1 and 101.6 of the Criminal Code and 6 and 7 of the Foreign Incursions Act should be equivalent.

Offence for entering foreign countries with the intention of engaging in hostile activities

881. New subsection 119.1(1) creates an offence for intentionally entering a foreign country with the intention of engaging in a hostile activity as defined by subsection 117.1(1) in that country or in any other foreign country.

882. New paragraph 119.1(1)(b) provides that the offence only applies to a person who is an Australian citizen, a resident of Australia, a person who holds a visa under the Migration Act or a person who has voluntarily put themselves under the protection of the Commonwealth at the time when the person enters the foreign country. This paragraph ensures the offence only applies to persons with a relevant and sufficient connection to Australia.

883. The maximum penalty for contravening the new offence in subsection 119.1(1) is imprisonment for life, reflecting the seriousness of the conduct.

Offence for engaging in a hostile activity in a foreign country

884. New subsection 119.1(2) creates an offence for intentionally engaging in a hostile activity in a foreign country. Consistent with the offence at new subsection 119.1(1), new paragraph 119.1(1)(b) limits the application of the offence to a person who is an Australian citizen, a resident of Australia, a person who holds a visa under the Migration Act or a person who has voluntarily put themselves under the protection of the Commonwealth at the time when the person engages in the activity.

885. The maximum penalty for contravening the new offence in subsection 119.1(2) is imprisonment for life, reflecting the seriousness of the conduct which at its most serious could involve unlawful death or an intention to cause unlawful death.

886. New subsection 119.1(3) provides that absolute liability applies to the elements in paragraphs 119.1(1)(b) and (2)(b) that the person is a citizen, resident, visa holder, or has voluntarily placed themselves under Australia's protection.

887. The Note to subsection 119.1(3) advises readers to refer to section 6.2 of the Criminal Code for further information about the fault element of absolute liability.

888. Absolute liability is set out in section 6.2 of the Criminal Code. The effect of applying absolute liability to an element of an offence means that no fault element needs to be proved and the defence of mistake of fact under section 9.2 of the Criminal Code is not available. Accordingly, the prosecution will not be required to prove that the defendant knew or was reckless as to the fact that they were a citizen, resident, visa holder, or had voluntarily placed themselves under Australia's protection at the time they entered the foreign country to engage in the conduct.

889. Absolute liability is appropriate and required for the element of the offence that the person is a citizen, resident, visa holder, or has voluntarily placed themselves under Australia's protection. The element appropriately limits the jurisdictional operation of the offence to only operate in respect of conduct of persons with the requisite connection to Australia (otherwise extended geographical jurisdiction-category D would apply). Further, the issue of whether the person knew or was reckless to the fact that they were a citizen, resident, visa holder, or had voluntarily placed themselves under Australia's protection at the time they entered the foreign country to either engage in a hostile activity or with the intention to engage in a hostile activity is not relevant to their culpability. This is consistent with Commonwealth criminal law practice, as described in the Guide to Framing Commonwealth Offences, Civil Penalties and Enforcement Powers.

Exception

890. New subsection 119.1(4) creates a defence to the offences in subsections 119.1(1) and (2). The defence applies to an act done by a person in the course of, and as part of, the person's service in any capacity in or with either the armed forces of the government of a foreign country or any other armed force the subject of a declaration made under subsection 119.8(1), provided that declaration covers the person and the circumstances of the person's service in or with the force.

891. Note 1 to new subsection 119.1(4) advises readers that a defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters set out in that subsection. Note 1 relevantly refers readers to subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code. Section 13.3 of the Criminal Code provides that in the case of a standard 'evidential burden' defence, the defendant bears the burden of adducing or pointing to evidence that suggests a reasonable possibility that the defence is made out because the person is better placed to provide that preliminary evidence. For example, the prosecution is unlikely to hold information about the particular person's dual citizenship or the fact that the person's service with the specific foreign armed forces comes within a particular declaration. Once the person has provided preliminary information suggesting they were serving pursuant to a declaration, the prosecution would need to disprove that evidence beyond reasonable doubt.

892. There are many other examples in the law where a person is required to point to evidence that may or could not be held or accessible by the prosecution. For the current proposal, the prosecution always has the persuasive burden of proof. But it is appropriate to require a preliminary level of evidence to be provided by the person concerned in circumstances where that person has the best evidence available about the purposes of their travel. Accordingly, once the defendant has adduced preliminary evidence, the prosecution must refute the defence beyond reasonable doubt.

893. Note 2 to new subsection 119.1(4) refers readers to new section 119.9, which sets out a further defence for conduct engaged in for the defence or international relations of Australia.

119.2 Entering, or remaining in, declared areas

894. New section 119.2 creates a new offence for entering, or remaining in, an area in a foreign country that is the subject of a declaration under new section 119.3, as well as defences to that offence.

895. The offence requires the prosecution to prove beyond reasonable doubt, not only that the person 'intentionally' entered or remained in an area, but that the person was aware of a substantial risk that the area was declared and intentionally entered or remained despite that. The application of intention to the conduct (entering or remaining) ensures a person who inadvertently travels to a declared area-for example in a bus en route to another location-or who is injured and unable to leave a declared area does not commit the offence. Furthermore, the application of recklessness to the fact that the area is a declared area means a person who is, for example, in a remote area without access to communications and with no reasonable way of knowing the area has become a declared area, does not commit the offence.

896. The purpose of the offence is to equip law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies with the tools to arrest, charge and prosecute those Australians who have committed serious offences, including associating with, fighting, or providing other support for terrorist organisations overseas. Legitimate purposes for travel to or remaining in a declared area are protected, but appropriately limited in recognition of the need to deter individuals from travelling to areas which pose a significant risk to life.

897. New subsection 119.2(1) creates an offence for intentionally entering, or remaining in, an area in a foreign country reckless to the fact that the area is an area declared for the purposes of the offence. It will not be necessary for the person to know specifically that 'the area is a declared area by the Foreign Affairs Minister under section 119.3'.

898. New paragraph 119.2(1)(c) provides that the offence only applies to certain classes of person. Those classes are Australian citizens, residents of Australia, persons who hold a visa under the Migration Act and persons who have voluntarily put themselves under the protection of the Commonwealth. This paragraph is designed to ensure the offence only applies to those persons with a relevant and sufficient connection to Australia.

899. The maximum penalty for contravening the new offence in subsection 119.2(1) is imprisonment for ten years, reflecting the seriousness of the conduct.

900. New subsection 119.2(2) provides that absolute liability applies to the elements in paragraph 119.2(1)(c) that the person is a citizen, resident, visa holder, or is under Australia's protection.

901. The Note to subsection 119.2(2) advises readers to refer to section 6.2 of the Criminal Code for further information about the fault element of absolute liability.

Exception-entry or remaining solely for legitimate purposes

902. New subsection 119.2(3) creates a defence to the offence in subsection 119.2(1). That defence is available to a person who enters or remains in the area solely for a legitimate purpose. For the purposes of the offence, legitimate purpose includes providing aid of a humanitarian nature; satisfying an obligation to appear before a court or other body exercising judicial power; performing an official duty for the Commonwealth, a state or a territory; performing an official duty for the government of a foreign country or the government of part of a foreign country (including service in the armed forces of the government of a foreign country), where that performance would not be a violation of the law of the Commonwealth, a state or a territory; performing an official duty for the United Nations or an agency of the United Nations; making a news report of events in the area, where the person is working in a professional capacity as a journalist or is assisting another person working in a professional capacity as a journalist; making a genuine visit to a family member, and any other purpose prescribed by the regulations.

903. The ability to prescribe other purposes under regulations is an important safeguard in the event other purposes that should be covered by the defence emerge over time.

904. The Note to new subsection 119.2(3) advises readers that a defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters set out in that subsection. Note 1 relevantly refers readers to subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.

Exception-entry or remaining solely for service with armed force other than prescribed organisation

905. New subsection 119.2(4) creates a defence to the offence in subsection 119.2(1). That defence is available to a person who enters or remains in the area solely in the course of and as part of the person's service in any capacity in or with the armed forces of the government of a foreign country or any other armed force the subject of a declaration made under subsection 119.8(1) provided that declaration covers the person and the circumstances of the person's service in or with the force.

906. Note 1 to new subsection 119.2(4) advises readers that a defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters set out in that subsection. Note 1 relevantly refers readers to subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.

907. New subsection 119.2(5) provides that the defence at subsection 119.2(4) does not apply if the person enters, or remains in, an area in a foreign country while in or with an organisation and the organisation is a prescribed organisation at the time the person enters, or remains in, the area.

908. Note 1 to new subsection 119.2(5) refers readers to new section 119.9, which sets out a further defence for conduct engaged in for the defence of Australia.

909. Note 2 to new subsection 119.2(5) advises readers that sections 10.1 and 10.3 of the Criminal Code also provide exceptions to subsection 119.2(1) relating to intervening conduct or event and sudden and extraordinary emergency respectively.

910. New subsection 119.2(6) provides that new section 119.2 ceases to have effect on 7 September 2018. The date for the sunset was selected in response to Recommendation 20 of the Report of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, which proposed a sunset date of 'two years after the last Federal election'. The 7 September 2018 date was selected to provide greater certainty regarding the duration of these powers rather than referring to the uncertain date. This date is two years after the third anniversary of the last general election.

119.3 Declaration of areas for the purposes of section 119.2

911. New section 119.3 provides for the making of a declaration for the purposes of the offence in section 119.2.

912. New subsection 119.3(1) provides that the Foreign Affairs Minister may declare an area in a foreign country for the purposes of section 119.2 by legislative instrument. The Foreign Affairs Minister may only do so if he or she is satisfied that a listed terrorist organisation is engaging in a hostile activity in that area of the foreign country.

913. New subsection 119.3(2) provides that a single declaration for the purposes of the new offence in section 119.2 may cover areas in 2 or more foreign countries if the Foreign Affairs Minister is satisfied that one or more listed terrorist organisations are engaging in a hostile activity in each of those areas.

914. New subsection 119.3(2A) expressly provides that a declaration must not cover an entire country.

915. New subsections 119.3(2) and 119.3(2A) implement Recommendation 18 of the Report of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security by removing the provision that provides for a declaration to be made over an entire country.

paragraph paragraph Requirement to brief Leader of the Opposition

916. New subsection 119.3(3) provides that, before making a declaration, the Foreign Affairs Minister must arrange for the Leader of the Opposition in the House of Representatives to be briefed in relation to the proposed declaration. This is an important safeguard that is consistent with processes for the listing of a terrorist organisation under Division 102 of the Criminal Code.

Cessation of declaration

917. New subsection 119.3(4) provides that a declaration ceases to have effect on the third anniversary of the day on which it takes effect. This ensures a declaration cannot continue in automatic operation for more than three years.

918. New paragraphs 119.3(4)(a) and (b) provide that new subsection 119.3(4) does not prevent the revocation of the declaration before its expiry on the third anniversary of the day in which it takes effect or the making of a new declaration the same in substance as the previous declaration before or after the previous declaration ceases to have effect.

919. The note to subsection 119.3(4) advises readers that an offence committed in relation to the declared area before the cessation of the relevant declaration can still be prosecuted after the cessation of the declaration. The note relevantly refers readers to section 7 of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 as it applies because of paragraph 13(1)(a) of the Legislative Instruments Act.

920. New subsection 119.3(5) provides that, if the Foreign Affairs Minister ceases to be satisfied that a listed terrorist organisation is engaging in a hostile activity in a declared area, the Foreign Affairs Minister must revoke the declaration.

921. The note to subsection 119.3(5) provides an example of circumstances in which the Foreign Affairs Minister may cease to be satisfied that a listed terrorist organisation is engaging in a hostile activity in the area. That example is where the relevant organisation ceases to be specified in the regulations, i.e. a listed terrorist organisation as defined at section 100.1 of the Criminal Code.

922. New subsection 119.3(6) clarifies that the Foreign Affairs Minister may subsequently make a declaration in relation to an area the subject of a revoked declaration if he or she subsequently becomes satisfied that a listed terrorist organisation is engaging in a hostile activity in that area.

923. New subsection 119.3(7) implements Recommendation 19 of the Report of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security by providing for the Committee to conduct a review of a declaration before the end of the disallowable period for the relevant instrument.

119.4 Preparations for incursions into foreign countries for purpose of engaging in hostile activities

Preparatory acts

924. New section 119.4 creates offences for conduct that is preparatory to the offences of entering a foreign country with the intention of engaging in a hostile activity or engaging in a hostile activity in a foreign country.

925. New subsection 119.4(1) creates an offence for intentionally engaging in conduct either within or outside Australia in circumstances where the person is reckless to the fact that the conduct is preparatory to the commission of an offence against new section 119.1. Paragraph 119.4(1)(b) provides that the conduct of the person could be preparatory to the commission of a relevant offence either by that person or by another person. Paragraph 119.4(1)(c) provides that the offence only applies to a person who is an Australian citizen, a resident of Australia, a person who holds a visa under the Migration Act, a person who has voluntarily put themselves under the protection of the Commonwealth, or a body corporate incorporated by or under a law of the Commonwealth or of a state or territory at the time the person engages in the conduct. This paragraph ensures the offence only applies to persons with a relevant and sufficient connection to Australia.

926. The maximum penalty for contravening the offence in subsection 119.4(1) is imprisonment for life, reflecting the seriousness of the conduct. The penalties for these offences implement recommendation III/7 of the INSLM's fourth annual report, that the penalty provisions in sections 101.1 and 101.6 of the Criminal Code and 6 and 7 of the Foreign Incursions Act should be equivalent.

Accumulating weapons etc.

927. New subsection 119.4(2) creates an offence for intentionally accumulating, stockpiling or otherwise keeping arms, explosives, munitions, poisons or weapons either within or outside Australia with the intention that an offence against new section 119.1 will be committed.

928. Paragraph 119.4(2)(b) provides that the conduct of the person could be preparatory to the commission of a relevant offence either by that person or by another person. Consistent with the offence at subsection 119.4(1), paragraph 119.4(2)(c) provides that the offence only applies to a person who is an Australian citizen, a resident of Australia, a person who holds a visa under the Migration Act, a person who has voluntarily put themselves under the protection of the Commonwealth, or a body corporate incorporated by or under a law of the Commonwealth or of a state or territory at the time the person engages in the conduct.

929. The maximum penalty for contravening the offence in subsection 119.4(2) is imprisonment for life, reflecting the seriousness of the conduct which at its most serious could involve an intention to cause unlawful death.

Providing or participating in training

930. New subsection 119.4(3) creates an offence for intentionally providing military training to another person or participating in providing military training to another person or being present at a meeting or assembly of persons, where the person intends at that meeting or assembly to provide, or participate in providing, military training to another person either within or outside Australia.

931. New paragraph 119.4(3)(b) limits the offence to circumstances where the person engages in the conduct intending to prepare the other person to commit an offence against new section 119.1.

932. Consistent with the offences at subsections 119.4(1) and (2), paragraph 119.4(3)(c) provides that the offence only applies to a person who is an Australian citizen, a resident of Australia, a person who holds a visa under the Migration Act, a person who has voluntarily put themselves under the protection of the Commonwealth, or a body corporate incorporated by or under a law of the Commonwealth or of a state or territory at the time the person engages in the conduct.

933. The maximum penalty for contravening the offence in subsection 119.4(3) is imprisonment for life, reflecting the seriousness of the conduct.

934. New subsection 119.4(4) creates an offence for intentionally allowing military training to be provided to himself or herself or intentionally allowing himself or herself to be present at a meeting or assembly of person either within or outside Australia.

935. New paragraph 119.4(4)(b) limits the offence to circumstances where the person engages in the conduct intending to commit an offence against new subsection 119.1.

936. Consistent with the offences at subsections 119.4(1), (2) and (3), paragraph 119.4(4)(c) provides that the offence only applies to a person who is an Australian citizen, a resident of Australia, a person who holds a visa under the Migration Act, a person who has voluntarily put themselves under the protection of the Commonwealth, or a body corporate incorporated by or under a law of the Commonwealth or of a state or territory at the time the person engages in the conduct.

937. The maximum penalty for contravening the offence in subsection 119.4(4) is imprisonment for life, reflecting the seriousness of the conduct.

Giving or receiving goods and services to promote the commission of an offence

938. New subsection 119.4(5) creates an offence for intentionally giving money or goods to, or performing services for, any other person, body or association or receiving or soliciting money or goods, or the performance of services for any other person, body or association, either within or outside Australia.

939. New paragraph 119.4(5)(b) limits the offence to circumstances where the person engages in the conduct with the intention of supporting or promoting the commission of an offence against new subsection 119.1.

940. Consistent with the offences at subsections 119.4(1), (2), (3) and (4) paragraph 119.4(5)(c) provides that the offence only applies to a person who is an Australian citizen, a resident of Australia, a person who holds a visa under the Migration Act, a person who has voluntarily put themselves under the protection of the Commonwealth, or a body corporate incorporated by or under a law of the Commonwealth or of a state or territory at the time the person engages in the conduct.

941. The maximum penalty for contravening the offence in subsection 119.4(5) is imprisonment for life, reflecting the seriousness of the conduct.

Absolute liability element

942. New subsection 119.4(6) provides that absolute liability applies to the elements in paragraphs 119.4(1)(c), (2)(c), (3)(c), (4)(c) and (5)(c) that the person is a citizen, resident, visa holder, under Australia's protection or relevant body corporate.

943. The Note to subsection 119.4(6) advises readers to refer to section 6.2 of the Criminal Code for further information about the fault element of absolute liability.

Exception

944. New subsection 119.4(7) creates a defence to the offences in subsections 119.4(1) to (5). That defence is available where the person engages in the relevant conduct solely for humanitarian aid purposes.

945. Note 1 to new subsection 119.4(7) advises readers that a defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters set out in that subsection. Note 1 relevantly refers readers to subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.

946. Note 2 to new subsection 119.4(7) refers readers to new section 119.9, which sets out a further defence for conduct engaged in for the defence or international relations of Australia.

Disregarding paragraphs 119.1(1)(b) and (2)(b)

947. New subsection 119.4(8) provides that a reference in section 119.4 to the commission of an offence against section 119.1 includes a reference to doing an act that would constitute an offence against section 119.1 if paragraphs 119.1(1)(b) and (2)(b) were disregarded. The effect of this is that the person who engages in the preparatory conduct contrary to the section 119.4 offences must be an Australian citizen, a resident of Australia, a person who holds a visa under the Migration Act, a person who has voluntarily put themselves under the protection of the Commonwealth, or a body corporate incorporated by or under a law of the Commonwealth or of a state or territory at the time the person engages in the conduct-that is, the person must have a 'connection with Australia'. However, any other persons relevant to the preparatory conduct need not satisfy that criteria.

948. For the offence against subsection 119.4(1), provided the person who engages in the relevant preparatory conduct has a connection to Australia, it is immaterial that the person intended to engage in conduct contrary to section 119.1 does not have a connection to Australia and therefore cannot be prosecuted under section 119.1.

949. Similarly, for an offence against subsection 119.4(2), provided the person who accumulates the weapons has a connection to Australia, it is immaterial that the person intended to commit an offence against section 119.1 does not have a connection to Australia and cannot be prosecuted under section 119.1.

950. For the offences against subsections 119.2(3), (4) and (5), provided the person charged has a connection to Australia, it is not necessary for the person or persons who receive military training, provide military training, or receive money or goods or services or provide money, goods or services, respectively, have a connection to Australia.

951. Subsection 119.4(8) provides an important safeguard to ensure a person cannot escape prosecution for an offence simply because the other person or persons involved are foreigners and are neither Australian citizens, residents of Australia, persons who hold visas under the Migration Act, persons who have voluntarily placed themselves under the protection of the Commonwealth, or a bodies corporate incorporated by or under a law of the Commonwealth or of a state or territory.

119.5 Allowing use of buildings, vessels and aircraft to commit offences

Use of buildings

952. New section 119.5 creates offences for facilitating, supporting or promoting the commission of a preparatory offence through the use of buildings, vessels and aircraft.

953. New subsection 119.5(1) creates an offence for a person who is an owner, lessee, occupier, agent or superintendent of any building, room, premises or other place, who intentionally permits a meeting or assembly of persons to be held in that place. The offence applies whether the person or the place is within or outside Australia.

954. Paragraph 119.5(1)(c) limits the offence to circumstances where the person permitting the meeting or assembly to be held does so with the intention to commit, or support or promote the commission of a preparatory offence contrary to section 119.4.

955. Paragraph 119.5(1)(d) provides that the offence only applies to a person who is an Australian citizen, a resident of Australia, a person who holds a visa under the Migration Act, a person who has voluntarily put themselves under the protection of the Commonwealth, or a body corporate incorporated by or under a law of the Commonwealth or of a state or territory at the time the person permits the meeting or assembly to be held. This paragraph ensures the offence only applies to persons with a relevant and sufficient connection to Australia.

956. The maximum penalty for contravening the offence in subsection 119.5(1) is imprisonment for life, reflecting the seriousness of the conduct.

Use of vessels or aircraft

957. New subsection 119.5(2) creates an offence for a person who is an owner, charterer, lessee, operator, agent or master of a vessel, or an owner, charterer, lessee, operator or pilot in charge of an aircraft, who intentionally permits the vessel or aircraft to be used. The offence applies whether the person, vessel or aircraft is within or outside Australia.

958. Paragraph 119.5(2)(c) limits the offence to circumstances where the person permitting the use does so with the intention to commit, or support or promote the commission of a preparatory offence contrary to section 119.4.

959. Consistent with the offence at subsection 119.5(1), paragraph 119.5(2)(d) provides that the offence only applies to a person who is an Australian citizen, a resident of Australia, a person who holds a visa under the Migration Act, a person who has voluntarily put themselves under the protection of the Commonwealth, or a body corporate incorporated by or under a law of the Commonwealth or of a state or territory at the time the person permits the use of the vessel or aircraft.

960. The maximum penalty for contravening the offence in subsection 119.5(2) is imprisonment for life, reflecting the seriousness of the conduct. The penalties for the offences in subsections 119.5(1) and (2) implement recommendation III/7 of the INSLM's fourth annual report, that the penalty provisions in sections 101.1 and 101.6 of the Criminal Code and 6 and 7 of the Foreign Incursions Act should be equivalent.

Absolute liability element

961. New subsection 119.5(3) provides that absolute liability applies to the elements in paragraphs 119.5(1)(d) and (2)(d) that the person is a citizen, resident, visa holder, under Australia's protection or relevant body corporate.

962. The Note to subsection 119.5(3) advises readers to refer to section 6.2 of the Criminal Code for further information about the fault element of absolute liability.

Exception

963. New subsection 119.5(4) creates a defence to the offences in subsections 119.5(1) and (2). That defence is available where the person engages in the relevant conduct solely for humanitarian aid purposes.

964. Note 1 to new subsection 119.5(4) advises readers that a defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters set out in that subsection. Note 1 relevantly refers readers to subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.

965. Note 2 to new subsection 119.5(4) refers readers to new section 119.9, which sets out a further defence for conduct engaged in for the defence or international relations of Australia.

119.6 Recruiting persons to join organisations engaged in hostile activities against foreign governments

966. New section 119.6 creates an offence for intentionally recruiting, in Australia, another person to become a member of, or serve in any capacity with, a body or association of persons whose objectives include any one or more of the objectives referred to in the definition of 'engage in a hostile activity' in subsection 117.1(1).

967. The Note to new section 119.6 refers readers to new section 119.9, which sets out a further defence for conduct engaged in for the defence or international relations of Australia.

968. The maximum penalty for contravening the offence in section 119.6 is imprisonment for 25 years, reflecting the relative seriousness of the conduct. The penalties for this offence implement recommendation III/6 of the INSLM's fourth annual report, that the penalty provisions in section 102.4 of the Criminal Code for the offence of recruiting for a terrorist organisation and section 8 of the Foreign Incursions Act for the offence of recruiting person to join organizations engaged in hostile activities against foreign governments should be equivalent.

119.7 Recruiting persons to serve in or with an armed force in a foreign country

Recruiting others to serve with foreign armed forces

969. New section 119.7 creates offences for recruiting others for service with an armed force in a foreign country, in Australia.

970. New subsection 119.7(1) creates an offence for intentionally recruiting, in Australia, another person to serve in any capacity in or with an armed force in a foreign country.

971. The maximum penalty for contravening the offence in subsection 119.7(1) is imprisonment for ten years, reflecting the relative seriousness of the conduct.

Publishing recruitment advertisements

972. New subsections 119.7(2) and (3) create offences for publishing items relevant to recruiting.

973. New subsection 119.7(2) creates an offence for intentionally publishing in Australia an advertisement or item of news that was procured by the provision or promise of money or any other consideration reckless as to the fact that the publication of the advertisement or item of news is for the purpose of recruiting persons to serve in any capacity in or with an armed force in a foreign country.

974. New subsection 119.7(3) creates an offence for intentionally publishing in Australia an advertisement or item of news that was procured by the provision or promise of money or any other consideration reckless as to the fact that the advertisement or item of news contains information relating to the place at which, or the manner in which, persons may make applications to serve, or obtain information relating to service, in any capacity in or with an armed force in a foreign country or relating to the manner in which persons may travel to a foreign country for the purpose of serving in any capacity in or with an armed force in a foreign country.

975. The maximum penalty for contravening the offences in subsections 119.7(2) and (3) is imprisonment for ten years, reflecting the relative seriousness of the conduct.

Facilitating recruitment

976. New subsection 119.7(4) creates an offence for intentionally engaging in conduct in Australia with the intention to facilitate or promote the recruitment of persons to serve in any capacity in or with an armed force in a foreign country.

977. The maximum penalty for contravening the offence in subsection 119.7(4) is imprisonment for ten years, reflecting the relative seriousness of the conduct.

Exception

978. New subsection 119.7(5) provides for a defence where the recruiting, publishing or facilitating conduct is authorised pursuant to a declaration made under subsection 119.8(2). This is designed to ensure, for example, that Australia's allies can legally advertise and recruit in Australia for service in or with their legitimate armed forces for a legitimate purpose.

979. Note 1 to subsection 119.7(5) advises readers that a defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters set out in that subsection. Note 1 relevantly refers readers to subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.

980. Note 2 to new subsection 119.7(5) refers readers to new section 119.9, which sets out a further defence for conduct engaged in for the defence or international relations of Australia.

Armed forces that are not part of the government of a foreign country

981. New subsection 119.7(6) provides that a reference in this section to an armed force in a foreign country includes any armed force in a foreign country, whether or not the armed force forms part of the armed forces of the government of that foreign country.

982. New subsection 119.7(7) provides that, without limiting this section, a person recruits another person to serve in or with an armed force in a foreign country if the other person enters a commitment or engagement to serve in any capacity in or with an armed force, whether or not the commitment or engagement is legally enforceable or constitutes legal or formal enlistment in that force.

119.8 Declaration in relation to specified armed forces

983. New section 119.8 provides for the making of declarations by the Minister in relation to sections 119.1, 119.2 and 119.7.

Service

984. New subsection 119.8(1) provides that the Minister may declare, by legislative instrument, that section 119.1 or 119.2 does not apply in certain circumstances or to certain persons if the Minister is satisfied that it is in the interests of the defence or international relations of Australia to do so. The declaration can apply to a specified person or class of persons in any circumstances or in circumstances specified in the declaration. The effect of a subsection 119.8(1) declaration is to permit the service of the person or class of persons in the circumstances specified (if any) in or with a specified armed force in a foreign country or a specified armed force in a foreign country in a specified capacity.

985. The ability to make declarations under subsection 119.8(1) is important to Australia's defence and international relations and cooperation. A declaration could be made, for example, to authorise an individual with certain skills to work with the armed forces of one of Australia's allies in a peace keeping mission at a location that is, or that could become, the subject of a declaration made by the Foreign Affairs Minister under section 119.3 on the grounds that a listed terrorist organisation is engaging in a hostile activity in that area. In such a case, it would be important that the individual engaged in activities approved by the Australian Government was not at risk of contravening the offences of entering a foreign country with the intention of engaging in a hostile activity or entering or remaining in a declared area.

Recruitment

986. New subsection 119.8(2) provides that the Minister may, by legislative instrument, declare that section 119.7 does not apply in certain circumstances or to certain persons if the Minister is satisfied that it is in the interests of the defence or international relations of Australia to do so. The declaration can apply to a specified person or to a class of persons in any circumstances or in circumstances specified in the declaration. The effect of a subsection 119.8(2) declaration is to permit the recruitment in Australia of that person or class of persons to serve in those circumstances in or with a specified armed force in a foreign country or a specified armed force in a foreign country in a specified capacity.

987. The ability to make declarations under subsection 119.8(2) is also important to Australia's defence and international relations and cooperation. A declaration could be made, for example, to authorise one of Australia's allies to recruit or advertise to recruit a person with specialist skills necessary for a proposed peace keeping mission at a location that is, or that could become, the subject of a declaration made by the Foreign Affairs Minister under section 119.3 on the grounds that a listed terrorist organisation is engaging in a hostile activity in that area. In such a case, it would be important that the person who does the recruiting or publishing the advertisement with the approval of the Australian Government was not at risk of contravening one of the recruitment the offences in section 119.7.

119.9 Exception-conduct for defence of Australia

988. New section 119.9 provides a defence for the offences in Division 119 where the conduct the subject of the offence is undertaken by a person acting in the course of the person's duty to the Commonwealth in relation to the defence or international relations of Australia.

989. Note 1 to section 119.9 advises readers that a defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters set out in that subsection. Note 1 relevantly refers readers to subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.

990. Note 2 to section 119.9 refers readers to new section 119.12, which provides for the making of declarations for the purposes of proceedings for offences against this Division.

119.10 Mode of trial

991. New section 119.10 sets out the requirements for a trial for a prosecution for the offences in Division 119 and related offences.

992. New subsection 119.10(1) provides that a prosecution for an offence against Division 119, an offence against section 6 of the Crimes Act, or an ancillary offence that relates to an offence against Division 119 is to be on indictment.

993. However, new subsection 119.10(2), provides that if a law of a State or Territory provides for a person who pleads guilty to a charge in proceedings for the person's commitment for trial on indictment to be committed to a higher court and dealt with otherwise than on indictment will prevail over subsection 119.10(1).

119.11 Consent of Attorney-General required for prosecutions

994. New section 119.11 requires the consent of the Attorney-General in order to commence proceedings against a person for offences against Division 119.

995. New subsection 119.11(1) provides that proceedings for the commitment of a person for trial on indictment or for the summary trial for an offence against Division 119 or section 6 of the Crimes Act to the extent that it relates to an offence against Division 119 must not be instituted without the written consent of the Attorney-General. This is designed to ensure there is appropriate oversight of prosecutions.

996. New subsection 119.11(2) clarifies that certain steps may be taken without consent having been given. Those steps are preliminary to the commencement of proceedings for the commitment of a person on trial, and are limited to charging, arresting and remanding a person in custody or on bail in relation to a relevant offence.

997. New subsection 119.11(3) provides that nothing in subsection (2) prevents the discharge of the accused if proceedings are not continued within a reasonable time.

119.12 Declarations for the purposes of proceedings

998. New section 119.12 provides for Ministers to make declarations for the purposes of the offences in Division 119.

999. New subsection 119.12(1) authorises the Foreign Affairs Minister to declare in writing that a specified authority is in effective governmental control in a specified foreign country or part of a foreign country or that a specified organisation is not an armed force, or part of an armed force, of the government of a foreign country.

1000. New subsection 119.12(2) authorises the Defence Minister to declare in writing that if a specified person had done a specified act (being an act alleged to constitute an offence) the person would not have been acting in the course of the person's duty to the Commonwealth in relation to the defence or international relations of Australia.

1001. New subsection 119.12(3) provides that a declaration may be made in relation to a specified day or period.

1002. New subsection 119.12(4) provides that, in proceedings for an offence for which the Attorney-General's consent is required under Division 119, a certificate under this section is prima facie evidence of the matters stated in the certificate. Accordingly, it is open to the defence to provide information contrary to the matters stated in a declaration. In such a case, it will be necessary for the prosecution to prove the relevant matter to the normal criminal standards.

1003. The INSLM has examined the executive evidential certificates created by section 11 of the Foreign Incursions Act. Recommendation III/8 of the INSLM's fourth annual report recommended that the evidential effect of the certificates concerning effective governmental control in a specified foreign State or part thereof, and concerning the non-governmental armed force character of a specified organisation (subsections 11(3) and 11(3A)) be amended to be conclusive in effect rather than prima facie. The Government has considered this recommendation and has resolved to maintain the current arrangements so that the evidential effect of the executive certificates at section 119.12 be prima facie evidence of particular matters. This ensures that it is the court that will ultimately have to be satisfied of the facts relevant to proving the offence. Customs Act 1901

Item 111 - Subsection 183UA(1) (definition of terrorist act )

1004. This items repeals and substitutes the definition of 'terrorist act' in subsection 183UA(1) of the Customs Act. The new definition will provide that this term has the meaning given by section 100.1 of the Criminal Code. The purpose of this amendment is to ensure that a consistent definition of terrorist act exists across all Commonwealth laws.

Item 112 - Subsections 183UA(4), (4A) and (5)

1005. This item repeals subsections 183UA(4), (4A) and (5). These subsections contain provisions for the purposes of the definition of 'terrorist act' in subsection 183UA(1). These provisions are now redundant due to the repeal and substitution of this definition.

Item 113 - Subsection 228(7) (definition of terrorist act)

1006. This item repeals and substitutes the definition of 'terrorist act' in subsection 228(7) of the Customs Act. Section 228 sets out the circumstances in which ships and aircraft are forfeited to the Crown. The new definition will provide that this term has the meaning given by section 100.1 of the Criminal Code. The purpose of this amendment is to ensure that a consistent definition of terrorist act exists across all Commonwealth laws.

Item 114 - Application of amendments

1007. This item provides that the amendments to sections 183UA and 228 of the Customs Act apply in relation to any terrorist act (whether occurring before or after this item commences).

Schedule 2 - Stopping welfare payments

1137. This Schedule amends the Family Assistance Act, the PPL Act, the Social Security Act and the Social Security (Administration) Act to provide that welfare payments can be cancelled for individuals whose passports have been cancelled or refused, or whose visas have been cancelled, on national security grounds. This is to ensure that the Government does not support individuals who are fighting or training with extremist groups.

1138. Currently, welfare payments can only be suspended or cancelled if the individual no longer meets social security eligibility rules, such as participation requirements, and residence or portability qualifications. The new provisions will require the cancellation of a person's welfare payment when the Attorney-General provides a security notice to the Minister for Social Services. The Attorney-General will have discretion whether to issue a security notice where either:

•: the Foreign Affairs Minister has notified the Attorney-General that the individual has had their application for a passport refused or had their passport cancelled on the basis that the individual would be likely to engage in conduct that might prejudice the security of Australia or a foreign country, or
•: the Immigration Minister has notified the Attorney-General that an individual has had their visa cancelled on security grounds.

1139. The Foreign Affairs Minister and the Immigration Minister will also have a discretion whether to advise the Attorney-General of the passport or visa cancellation.

1140. Welfare payments will only be cancelled in circumstances where the receipt of welfare payments was relevant to the assessed security risk posed by the individual and the cancellation of welfare would not adversely impact the requirements of security. This is to ensure that those individuals assessed to be engaged in politically motivated violence overseas, fighting or actively supporting extremist groups are captured. It is not intended that every person whose passport or visa has been cancelled on security grounds would have their welfare payments cancelled, but would occur only in cases where it is appropriate and justified.

Part 1 - Main Amendments

A New Tax System (Family Assistance) Act 1999

Item 1 - Subsection 3(1)

1141. This item inserts new subsection 3(1) to explain that:

•: the Attorney-General's Secretary means the Secretary of the Department administered by the Minister administering the ASIO Act
•: the Foreign Affairs Minister means the Minister administering the Passports Act
•: the Human Services Secretary means the Secretary of the Department administered by the Minister administering the Human Services (Centrelink) Act 1997
•: the Immigration Minister means the Minister administering the Migration Act, and
•: a security notice means a notice under section 57GJ.

Item 2 - At the end of Part 3

1142. This item inserts new Division 7 'Loss of family assistance for individuals on security grounds' into Part 3 'Eligibility for Family Assistance' of the Family Assistance Act. Division 7 sets out how the welfare cancellation process will operate for family assistance for individuals. 'Family assistance' is defined in section 3 of the Family Assistance Act to mean:

(a): family tax benefit; or
(b): stillborn baby payment; or
(d): child care benefit; or
(da): child care rebate; or
(e): family tax benefit advance; or
(f): single income family supplement; or
(g): schoolkids bonus.

1143. However, new section 57GQ makes it clear that this Division does not apply to the child care benefit or child care rebate.

Section 57GH Simplified outline of this Division

1144. This item inserts new section 57GH which provides a simplified outline at the start of Division 7 which states: 'Individuals who might prejudice the security of Australia or a foreign country may lose family assistance.' Division 7 sets out how the welfare cancellation process operates for family assistance for individuals.

1145. While simplified outlines are included to assist readers to understand the substantive provisions, the outlines are not intended to be comprehensive. It is intended that readers should rely on the substantive provisions.

Section 57GI Loss of family assistance for individuals on security grounds

1146. This item inserts new section 57GI, which provides that where a security notice is given to the Minister for Social Services the individual who is the subject of the notice will not be eligible for family assistance.

1147. New subsection 57GI(1) provides that where the Attorney-General provides the Minister for Social Services with a security notice under section 57GJ, then while the notice is in force the individual is not eligible to be paid family assistance nor is the individual eligible for family assistance. Note 1 explains that a security notice is notice under section 57GJ of the Family Assistance Act. Note 2 confirms that this Division does not apply in relation to the child care benefit or child care rebate as provided by section 57GQ of the Family Assistance Act.

1148. New subsection 57GI (2) provides that if the Attorney-General gives a security notice to the Minister for Social Services, then any determination that the individual is entitled to be paid family assistance, that is in force immediately before the day the notice comes into force, ceases to be in force on that day. This means that the day the notice comes into force an individual will no longer be eligible for family assistance as prescribed in the notice.

1149. New subsection 57GI (3) clarifies that if the security notice ceases to be in force, then the individual is not eligible for any family assistance for any day the notice was in force. However, new subsection 57GI(4) provides that if a security notice given to the Minister for Social Services in relation to an individual recommends that payments of family assistance of the individual be paid to a payment nominee of the individual under Part 8B of the A New Tax System (Family Assistance) (Administration) Act 1999, and apart from subsections 57GI(1) to (3), the individual would be eligible for the whole or a part of that family assistance, then that whole or part may be paid to a payment nominee of the individual under that Part. Part 8B of the Family Assistance Administration Act provides for the appointment, payment and responsibilities of nominees. This provision enables payment to be made on behalf of the individual but ensures that the individual does not receive the money. Instead, a payment nominee will receive and distribute the money for purposes according to a written direction by the Secretary under subsection 57GI(6). This ensures that where possible, children of the individual (and other concerns under family assistance law) are not detrimentally affected because of the individual's conduct.

1150. New subsection 57GI(5) provides that if a person is to be appointed as the payment nominee of the individual, then paragraph 219TD(2)(b) of the Family Assistance Administration Act does not apply in relation to that appointment. This means that the Secretary of DSS does not have to take into account the wishes (if any) of the individual in appointing a nominee to receive the payment on the individual's behalf, but instead can appoint a nominee without consulting the individual. This provision recognises that in practice it may be very difficult to contact the individual. It would also defeat the objective of the reforms if the individual was able to direct who should receive the payment on their behalf.

1151. Under subsection 57GI (6) where a person is appointed as the payment nominee of the individual, section 219TN of the Family Assistance Administration Act does not apply in relation to the nominee. Instead, any amount paid to the nominee on behalf of the individual is to be applied by the nominee in accordance with a written direction given by the Secretary under this subsection. This means that the payment nominee is not under a legal obligation to act in the best interests of the individual. This is a reasonable measure to implement the objective of the reforms.

1152. New subsection 57GI (7) provides that where a security notice is given to the Minister for Social Services in relation to an individual who is aged 19 or less on the day the notice is given then for any day while the notice is or was in force, the individual cannot be a Family Tax Benefit (FTB) child of another individual, cannot be a regular care child of another individual and cannot be a client of an approved care organisation. This means that a person cannot be paid family assistance on behalf of an individual aged 19 or less who has been classified as a security risk.

1153. New subsection 57GI (8) clarifies that subsections 57GI (1) to (7) have effect despite any other provision of the family assistance law.

1154. New subsection 57GI (9) provides that where an individual ceases to be eligible for family assistance because of subsection 57GI (2), the Secretary must cause reasonable steps to be taken to notify the individual of the cessation. In practice, notifying individuals who may be participating in overseas conflicts may not be possible.

Section 57GJ Security notice from Attorney-General

1155. This item inserts new section 57GJ which sets out what comprises a security notice from the Attorney-General. Subsection 57GJ(1) specifies that the Attorney-General may give the Minister for Social Services a written notice requiring that Division 7 apply to a specified individual.

1156. There are two alternative limbs that may lead to the Attorney-General issuing a notice. Only one of the limbs need apply.

1157. The first limb is under paragraph 57GJ (1)(a) which provides that the Foreign Affairs Minister may give the Attorney-General a notice under section 57GK in relation to the individual.

1158. The second limb is under paragraph 57GJ (1)(b) which provides that the Immigration Minister may give the Attorney-General a notice under section 57GL in relation to the individual.

1159. Upon receipt of a notice from either the Foreign Affairs Minister or the Immigration Minister, the Attorney-General has discretion whether to provide a security notice to the Minster for Social Services, and would take into account the requirements of security in making that decision.

1160. New subsection 57GJ(2) provides that a notice under this section may recommend that payments of family assistance of the individual, to the extent set out in the notice, be paid to a payment nominee of the individual under Part 8B of the Family Assistance Administration Act. Part 8B of the Family Assistance Administration Act is concerned with the appointment, payment and responsibilities of nominees. This provision enables payment to be made on behalf of the individual's family but ensures that the individual does not receive the benefit of any family assistance. This ensures that where possible, children of the individual are not detrimentally affected because of the individual's conduct.

1161. New subsections 57GJ(3) and (4) provide that, before giving a security notice the Attorney-General must have regard to:

•: the extent (if any) that any welfare payments of the individual who is the subject of the notice, are being, or may be, used for a purpose that might prejudice the security of Australia or a foreign country, and
•: the likely effect of welfare cancellation on the individual's dependants. To facilitate the Attorney-General's decision, the Attorney-General's Secretary is required to seek advice from the Secretary of the Department of Human Services and inform the Attorney-General of that advice.

1162. These considerations are not an exhaustive list and it will be open to the Attorney-General to have regard to any other matters when considering whether to issue a security notice.

Section 57GK Notice from Foreign Affairs Minister

1163. This item inserts new section 57GK which provides that the Foreign Affairs Minister may give the Attorney-General a written notice notifying the Attorney-General that they have either refused to issue an individual an Australian passport under subsection 14(2) of the Passports Act, or cancelled an individual's Australian passport under section 22 of the Passports Act. The refusal or cancellation must have been made in response to a competent authority request under subsection 14(1) of that Act, and the request must have been made on the basis of the matter referred to in subparagraph 14(1)(a)(i) of that Act, namely that the person would be likely to engage in conduct that might prejudice the security of Australia or a foreign country.

1164. It is not intended that every decision to refuse to issue an Australian passport under subsection 14(2) or to cancel an Australian passport under section 22 of the Passports Act will result in a notice being given to the Attorney-General. Rather, the Foreign Affairs Minister has a discretion to give a notice. The decision to give a notice would be guided by security advice.

Section 57GL Notice from Immigration Minister

1165. This item inserts new section 57GL which provides that the Immigration Minister may give the Attorney-General a written notice notifying the Attorney-General that they have cancelled an individual's visa under section 116, 128, 134B or 501 (where ASIO has assessed the individual is directly or indirectly a risk to security) of the Migration Act. It is not intended that every decision to cancel a visa will result in a notice being given to the Attorney-General under section 57GL. The Immigration Minister has discretion to give a notice under this section. This decision would be guided by security advice.

Section 57GM Copy of security notice to be given to Secretaries

1166. This item inserts new section 57GM which provides that the Minister for Social Services must give a copy of a security notice to the Secretary of the Department of Social Services (DSS) and the Secretary of the Department of Human Services (DHS). This is to ensure that welfare cancellation can occur as expeditiously as possible.

Section 57GN Period security notice in force

1167. This item inserts new section 57GN which provides that a security notices comes into force on the day it is given to the Minister for Social Services and remains in force until revoked. The criteria for revoking a notice are set out in section 57GO.

Section 57GNA

1168. New section 57GNA requires the Attorney General to review a security notice issued under new section 57GJ. The review will require the Attorney General to consider whether to revoke a security notice within 12 months of it coming into force, and thereafter, within 12 months after the Attorney-General last considered whether to revoke it.

1169. These amendments implement Recommendation 30 of the Report of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security and will ensure security notices are subject to regular review to determine whether the person should remain ineligible to receive welfare payments on the basis of national security concerns.

Section 57GO Revoking a security notice

1170. This item inserts new section 57GO which provides that the Attorney-General may revoke a security notice they have given. The revocation must be in writing, and it takes effect on the day it is made. The Attorney-General must provide written notice of a decision to revoke a security notice to the Minister for Social Services who must then give a copy of the notice to the Secretary of DSS and the Secretary of DHS. The Attorney-General's discretion to revoke a security notice would be guided by security advice. New subsection 57GO (4) provides that where a security notice has been revoked that the Secretary of DSS must cause reasonable steps to be taken to notify the individual of the revocation.

Section 57GP Notices may contain personal information

1171. This item inserts new section 57GP which clarifies that a notice under Division 7 may contain personal information (within the meaning of the Privacy Act 1988) about the individual.

Section 57GQ This Division does not apply to child care benefit or child care rebate

1172. This item inserts new section 57GQ which clarifies that Division 7 does not apply to the child care benefit or child care rebate. It is not the intention that payments that encourage workforce participation, studying or training be included. These payments require that the recipient satisfy the work, training, study test.

Section 57GR Certain decisions not decisions of officers

1173. This item inserts new section 57GR which provides that for the purposes of Part 5 of the Family Assistance Administration Act, decisions under this Division, any decision under Part 8B of the Family Assistance Administration Act that is, or is related to, a decision to pay, or not to pay, an amount of family assistance as mentioned in new subsection 57GI (4) of the Family Assistance Act, are taken not to be decisions of an officer under the family assistance law. This means that the reviewability of decisions made under this Division is limited for security reasons as decisions will not be reviewable under Part 5 of the Family Assistance Administration Act.

Section 57GS Instruments not legislative instruments

1174. This item inserts new section 57GS which provides that a notice under this Division or a direction under new subsection 57GI(6) is not a legislative instrument. This provision is included to assist readers, as the instrument is not a legislative instrument within the meaning of section 5 of the Legislative Instruments Act.

Schedule 3 - Customs' detention powers

Customs Act 1901

Item 1 - Section 219ZJA

1238. This item amends section 219ZJA to insert a new definition for the purposes of Division 1BA of Part XII of the Customs Act. The definition is national security. This term has the same meaning as in the National Security Information (Criminal and Civil Proceedings) Act 2004 which is Australia's defence, security, international relations or law enforcement interests.

Item 2 - Section 219ZJA (definition of serious Commonwealth offence )

1239. This item repeals and substitutes the definition of serious Commonwealth offence for the purposes of Division 1BA of Part XII of the Customs Act. Currently this definition is linked to the definition of this term in section 15GE of the Crimes Act, which is limited to offences that relate to specified subject matters and that is punishable by imprisonment for 3 years or more. The new definition will mean an offence against a law of the Commonwealth that is punishable on conviction by imprisonment for 12 months or more. Therefore, the detention powers in section 219ZJB will be able to be exercised in relation to a greater range of Commonwealth offences.

1240. The expanded and new detention powers, including the new definition of 'serious Commonwealth offence,' are part of the targeted response to the threat posed by foreign fighters. The extension of the detention power, which is only a temporary power, is aimed at the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service facilitating other law enforcement agencies to exercise their powers to address national security threats. The current power may limit this facilitation across the full range of offences that are relevant to addressing national security threats. The new definition of 'serious Commonwealth offence' will, for example, allow officers of Customs to detain a person in respect of an offence under the Australian Passports Act 2005 of using a passport that was not issued to the person. The enhanced detention powers will also assist law enforcement agencies more generally in relation to the detection and investigation of serious Commonwealth offences.

Item 3 - Paragraph 219ZJB(1)(b)

1241. This item amends paragraph 219ZJB(1)(b) by extending its operation to where a person is intending to commit a serious Commonwealth offence.

1242. At present, section 219ZJB of the Customs Act empowers officers of Customs to detain persons in a designated place (which includes an international airport or seaport) in certain circumstances. Under section 219ZJB, a person can be detained if an officer has reasonable grounds to suspect that a person has committed, or is committing, a serious Commonwealth offence or a prescribed State or Territory offence.

1243. In exercising these powers, the current thresholds whereby an officer of Customs can detain a person if the officer has reasonable grounds to suspect that the person has committing or is committing a serious Commonwealth offence may result in situations where despite information received from partner agencies or the behaviour or documentation presented by the passenger, detention may not be possible.

1244. It is therefore proposed to extend the operation of section 219ZJB to include where an officer has reasonable grounds to suspect that a person is intending to commit a serious Commonwealth offence.

Item 4 - Subsection 219ZJB(3)

1245. This item amends subsection 219ZJB(3) to replace the statutory requirement that a person detained under section 219ZJB be delivered into the custody of a police officer with the requirement that the person be made available. This amendment reflects current practice whereby the person is made available to a police officer from Customs' detention.

Item 5 - Subsection 219ZJB(4)

1246. This item amends subsection 219ZJB(4) by extending its operation to where a person is intending to commit a Commonwealth offence, as a consequence of the amendment in item 3. Under subsection 219ZJB(4), an officer must release a person from detention immediately where the original grounds for the detention cease. This amendment extends this obligation to where an officer ceases to have reasonable grounds to suspect a person is intending to commit a serious Commonwealth offence.

Item 6 - Subsection 219ZJB(5)

1247. This item amends subsection 219JZB(5) by increasing the time period mentioned in this section from 45 minutes to 2 hours.

1248. Under current subsection 219ZJB(5), if a person is detained for a period of greater than 45 minutes, the person has the right to have a family member or another person notified of the person's detention. However, under subsection 219ZJB(7) of the Customs Act, an officer may refuse to notify a family member or other person if the officer believes on reasonable grounds that the notification should not be made to safeguard law enforcement processes or to protect the life and safety of another person.

1249. It is considered that there may also be vulnerabilities with regard to the time and opportunity for the officer of Customs to undertake sufficient enquiries once a person is detained, especially in order to determine whether the notification to a family member or other person should or should not be made. Therefore, it is proposed to amend subsection 219ZJB(5) to increase the timeframe from 45 minutes to 2 hours. This item gives effect to Recommendation 32 of the Report of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security. The Committee recommended that the allowable period of detention by a Customs officer without notification to a family member or other person be extended from 45 minutes to a maximum of two hours

Item 7 - Paragraphs 219ZJB(7)(a) and 219ZJC(6)(a)

1250. As referred to above, under subsection 219ZJB(7) of the Customs Act, an officer may refuse to notify a family member or other person if the officer believes on reasonable grounds that the notification should not be made to safeguard law enforcement processes or to protect the life and safety of another person.

1251. This item amends paragraph 219ZJB(7)(a) to include additional circumstances that an officer may take into account in deciding whether the notification should or should not be made. These are to safeguard national security (as defined above) or the security of a foreign country.

1252. Under section 219ZJC of the Customs Act, an officer of Customs may detain a person in a designated place if there is a warrant for the arrest of a person in relation to a Commonwealth offence or prescribed State and Territory offence or the person is on bail in relation to such an offence subject to a condition that prevents the person from leaving Australia. This power may only be exercised if the officer of Customs has reasonable grounds to suspect that the person intends to leave the designated place.

1253. Section 219ZJC contains similar provisions to section 219ZJB including the person having the a right to have a family member or another person notified of the person's detention if a person is detained for a period of greater than 45 minutes. Similar to subsection 219ZJB(7), subsection 219ZJB(6) provides that an officer may refuse to notify a family member or other person if the officer believes on reasonable grounds that the notification should not be made to safeguard law enforcement processes or to protect the life and safety of another person.

1254. This item also amends paragraph 219ZJB(6)(a) to include additional circumstances that an officer may take into account in deciding whether the notification should or should not be made. These are to safeguard national security (as defined above) or the security of a foreign country.

Item 8 - At the end of Subdivision B of Division 1BA of Part XII

1255. This item inserts new section 219ZJCA into Part XII of the Customs Act. This new section sets out additional circumstances in which an officer of Customs can detain a person in a designated place.

1256. The current detention powers in section 219ZJB and 219ZJC only apply in respect of Commonwealth offences and prescribed State and Territory offences. However, recent national security incidents have highlighted the need for a broader set of circumstances in which a detention power can be exercised at the border environment. These broader circumstances, which relate to national security issues, are set out in new section 219ZJCA.

1257. New subsection 219JZCA(1) provides that an officer of Customs may detain a person if the person is in a designated place and the officer suspects on reasonable grounds that the person is, or is likely to be, involved in an activity that is a threat to national security or the security of a foreign country. 'National security' is defined in the new definition in section 219ZJA.

1258. New subsection 219ZJCA(2) provides that the detaining officer must ensure that the detainee made available, in person, to a police officer as soon as practicable to be dealt with according to law.

1259. It is not considered appropriate that a person be given reasons for detention under section 219ZJCA because the grounds upon which the relevant suspicion is based may rely on information from a range of sources which may include highly classified material. If a person was entitled to be given the reasons for their detention, this may require the disclosure to the person of this highly classified material which could compromise the activities of other agencies.

1260. The remaining provisions of new section 219ZJCA are similar in operation to the remaining provisions of section 219ZJB as proposed to be amended as set out above. For example, subsection 219ZJCA(4) sets out the circumstances in which an detained person must be released from detention by an officer. Also, under subsection 219ZJCA(5), if a person is detained for a period of greater than 2 hours, the person has the right to have a family member or another person notified of the person's detention. However, under subsection 219ZJCA(7), an officer may refuse to notify a family member or other person if the officer believes on reasonable grounds that the notification should not be made to safeguard national security (as defined above) or the security of a foreign country, law enforcement processes or to protect the life and safety of another person.

Item 9 - At the end of subsection 219ZJD(1)

1261. This item amends subsection 219ZJD(1) to insert a new circumstance in which a search of a detained person may be conducted under section 219ZJD. Under this section, a frisk or ordinary search of a detained person may be undertaken as well as a search of any clothing worn by the person and any property under the person's immediate control. However, these searches may only be undertaken if the officer believes on reasonable grounds that the search is necessary for specified purposes.

1262. This item will insert a new purpose in relation to a person detained under new section 219ZJCA, being to prevent the concealment, loss or destruction of material of interest for national security or the security of a foreign country.

Item 10 - At the end of paragraph 219ZJD(3)(b)

1263. Under subsection 219ZJD(3), an officer may seize any relevant thing found as a result of a search conducted under subsection 219ZJD(1).

1264. This item will insert a reference to anything that is of interest for national security or the security of a foreign country, thus allowing these things to also be seized if found under the new search power set out in item 9.

Item 11 - Subsection 219ZJD(4)

1265. Under subsection 219ZLD(4), anything that is seized under subsection 219ZJD(3) must be delivered to the police officer into whose custody a detainee is required to be delivered under subsections 219ZJB(3) or 219ZJC(3).

1266. This item will extend this requirement in relation to the new detention power under section 219ZJCA, such that anything seized under new paragraph 219ZJD(3)(b) must be made available the police officer to whom the person is required to be made available under new subsection 219JZCA(2). This item will also reflect the changes made to section 219ZJB(3) above.

Item 12 - Subsection 219ZJF(1)

1267. Subsection 219ZJF(1) provides that a person detained under section 219ZJB or 219ZJC must be informed of the reason for their detention. The amendments in this item will ensure that this obligation does not apply in relation to a person detained under new section 219ZJCA because it is not considered appropriate that a person be given reasons for their detention under section 219ZJCA at this point.

Item 13 - Subparagraph 219ZJJ(1)(b)(iv)

1268. Subsection 219ZJJ(1) of the Customs Act sets out additional obligations in relation to a detained person who is known or believed to be a minor. A minor is considered to be any person under the age of 18 years. The amendment in this item will ensure that this obligation does not apply in relation to a minor detained under new section 219ZJCA because it is not considered appropriate that a person be given reasons for their detention under section 219ZJC at this point.

Item 14 - Paragraph 219ZJJ(2)(a)

1269. Under subsection 219ZJJ(1), one of the obligations is to inform the minor of the right to have a parent or guardian notified of the minor's detention.

1270. Similar to current subsection 219ZJB(6), subsection 219ZJJ(2) provides that an officer may refuse to notify a family member or other person if the officer believes on reasonable grounds that the notification should not be made to safeguard law enforcement processes or to protect the life and safety of another person.

1271. Similar to item 7 above, this item amends paragraph 219ZJJ(2)(a) to include additional circumstances that an officer may take into account in deciding whether the notification should or should not be made. These are to safeguard national security (as defined above) or the security of a foreign country.

Schedule 6 - Identifying persons entering or leaving Australia through advanced passenger processing

Part 2 - Amendment of the Customs Act 1901

Item 19 - Paragraphs 64ACA(12)(B) and 64ACB(9)(b)

1525. This item omits the words 'subsection 245L(6)' and substitutes the words 'section 245LB' in paragraphs 64ACA(12)(b) and 64ACB(9)(b) of the Customs Act. This substitution is consequential to the repeal of subsection 245L(6) and its replacement by the similar but broader section 245LB.

View full documentBack to top

Individuals online services

Business online services

Agents online services

Non-residents online services

Foreign Investor

General outline

GENERAL OUTLINE

FINANCIAL IMPACT STATEMENT

Statement of compatibility with human rights

STATEMENT OF COMPATIBILITY WITH HUMAN RIGHTS

Schedule 1 - main counter-terrorism amendments

Part 1 - Amendments

Schedule 3 - customs' detention powers

Notes on clauses

Preliminary

Schedule 1 - Amendments and repeals

Part 1 - Amendments

Schedule 2 - Stopping welfare payments

Schedule 3 - Customs' detention powers

Schedule 6 - Identifying persons entering or leaving Australia through advanced passenger processing

Tools

Tax information for

Help and support