The government will introduce new legislation that makes it possible to classify foreign state entities as “state sponsors of terrorism” according to the Criminal Code.
The changes are intended to strengthen the Australian framework for the fight against terrorism and to issue the message that Australia does not tolerate terrorism sponsored by foreign states, according to a statement from the office of Attorney General Michelle Rowland.
The legislation will “ensure that foreign states want to stimulate that division, create fear and want to erect social cohesion in the Australian community, will be called to account,” said the statement.
“Although these attacks were perhaps aimed at part of our community, they were attacks on our sovereignty and our collective way of life,” said Rowland.
“The government’s legislation will make it harder, riskier and more expensive for malicious foreign actors to damage Australia and our community,” she said.
The bill would introduce criminal offenses that make the involvement in or support to terrorist acts involved on the list of state sponsors of terrorism, criminalizing, and forming forms of interaction with them, including membership, association and providing financing.
Interior Minister Tony Burke said that the legislation “sends the strongest possible signal that the Australian government regards the safety and security of the Australian community as its top priority”.
“Our government wants Australians to be safe and feel safe, and together we are in unity and strength against all attempts for division and hatred,” he said.
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