What was debated in Parliament
Summarised using AI from the official Hansard transcript of the debate only. It is not a record of the debate and may leave things out. Read the Hansard below to check it.
This One Nation bill would let the Federal Court make orders keeping foreign terrorist fighters out of Australia, tighten bail for terrorism charges, allow passports to be refused or cancelled, and make it an offence to help bring such people back. The debate focused on the return of women linked to Islamic State, whether current exclusion laws are enough, and whether the bill is constitutional.
Arguments made in support
One Nation said current temporary exclusion orders only delay and manage a return, while this bill would let a court keep the most dangerous people out.
Supporters said safeguards include court decisions, two-year limits, review rights, a voluntary-conduct test and extra protections for people under 18.
One Nation argued the government had not shown legal advice that the bill was unconstitutional, and said no inquiry submitter found it invalid.
Coalition speakers said they would support the bill because doing something was better than doing nothing, while noting some concerns could be worked through.
Supporters said stricter bail rules were needed because terrorism is not an ordinary crime.
Arguments made against, or for changes
The Greens said the bill would likely be struck down by the courts and was about politics rather than workable policy.
The Greens argued that funding international trials to prosecute Islamic State fighters would do more to keep people safe.
Independent senator David Pocock said terms like 'protect the Australian community' were too vague and it was unclear what the new orders added.
Senator Pocock said the inquiry was too short, with two weeks for submissions and no public hearings.
Senator Pocock raised concerns about constitutionality and about dividing the community.
9 speeches by 7 members in the Senate over 2 sitting days.
Hansard: Senate, 12 Aug 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 10 Sept 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Second and third reading votes. How each party's members voted:
Includes votes on amendments and procedure.