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New counter-terrorism powers and safeguards to be reviewed by the PJCIS

Parliament of Australia

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review of the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment Bill 2026.

The Bill, which was introduced into the Parliament on 12 August 2026, would update the high-risk terrorist offender post-sentence order framework and strengthen the control order regime, supporting the ongoing management of serious terrorist offenders and others who pose a risk of engaging in terrorism-related activities.

Chair of the PJCIS, Senator Raff Ciccone, said:

This inquiry will examine whether the proposed amendments appropriately support Australia’s national security agencies and law enforcement bodies while maintaining the safeguards and oversight expected by the Australian community. The Committee looks forward to receiving evidence from government agencies, legal experts, academics, civil society organisations and other interested stakeholders.”

The Bill would:

  • update the high-risk terrorist offenders post-sentence order framework in Division 105A of the Criminal Code;
  • strengthen the control order framework in Division 104 of the Criminal Code;
  • extend the operation of the control order, preventative detention order and post-sentence order frameworks for a further three years, until 7 December 2029;
  • extend provisions providing certain police powers in relation to terrorism in the Crimes Act 1914 until 7 December 2029;
  • amend provisions relating to the de-listing of terrorist organisations;
  • expand protections for United Nations and associated personnel; and
  • allow courts to consider findings of guilt in control order and post-sentence order proceedings, including where no conviction was recorded.

The Committee invites written submissions by Wednesday, 2 September 2026.

Further details on the review are available on the Committee’s website: aph.gov.au/pjcis

Media enquiries

Office of Senator Raff Ciccone, Chair of the PJCIS
Contact: Giulio Di Giorgio, 0422 622 760 / [email protected]

Background information

Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security
02 6277 2360
[email protected]

For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button.

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