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 bill extends key counter-terrorism powers, such as control orders, preventive detention orders and special police powers, for three more years to December 2029. It also makes control orders the main tool for managing terrorist offenders after release, lets control orders on 14 to 17 year olds last up to 12 months, and changes how terrorist groups are de-listed. The debate focused on the timing of the bill, the change to post-release orders, youth radicalisation, and an amendment about recording convictions for terrorist acts.
Arguments made in support
The Government said these powers must not lapse, given the 'probable' threat level and the Bondi attack in December 2025.
Government members said longer control orders for teenagers would allow longer rehabilitation programs, with courts still deciding the length and the child's best interests.
Labor speakers said better information sharing with the states and access to findings of guilt would give judges a fuller picture of risk.
The Coalition said it would not oppose the bill, as many of these powers were created by Coalition governments and must continue.
Rebekha Sharkie supported the bill, saying it would strengthen protections for the community against terrorism.
Arguments made against, or for changes
Coalition speakers said Labor waited until months before the powers expired, and took over three years to respond to a key review.
The Coalition said the government must prove that replacing extended supervision orders with control orders would not weaken agencies' ability to manage offenders.
Coalition members criticised the government's handling of people linked to ISIS returning from Syria, saying the bill does nothing to address it.
Rebekha Sharkie moved an amendment so a person found guilty of a terrorist act must have a conviction recorded. The Coalition and Andrew Gee supported it.
The Government opposed that amendment, saying current sentencing law is balanced and such a discharge has never happened for a terrorist act.
14 speeches by 9 members in the House and Senate over 4 sitting days.
Hansard: House of Representatives, 12 Aug 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 19 Aug 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 20 Aug 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 20 Aug 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Every party member who voted went with the majority of their party.