The question is that the second reading amendment standing in the name of Senator Thorpe, as moved by Senator Shoebridge on her behalf, be agreed to.
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 lets the government list foreign state entities as state sponsors of terrorism, creates new offences for dealing with them, and gives agencies the same powers they have for other terrorism. It followed ASIO's finding that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps directed two attacks in Australia. All parties who spoke supported it, and the debate focused on its timing, the short committee review, and protections for aid workers.
Arguments made in support
The Government said state-sponsored attacks on Australian soil were a turning point and the law must adapt because current listing rules do not cover state bodies.
The Government said safeguards include the Foreign Minister's written agreement, a briefing for the Opposition Leader, and the Attorney-General's consent to prosecutions.
Coalition speakers supported the bill but said it was long overdue, as they had called for the IRGC to be listed for more than two years.
The Greens supported listing the IRGC, citing concerns raised by Iranian and Kurdish communities.
One Nation supported the bill, saying the reversed onus of proof in some defences was justified here but should always be closely scrutinised.
Arguments made against, or for changes
Coalition and Greens speakers said the intelligence committee review was rushed, giving submitters only about seven days.
Coalition speaker Andrew Wallace said the bill gives no guidance on what the Foreign Minister should consider before agreeing to a listing, and flagged an oversight amendment.
The Greens moved amendments to protect humanitarian aid groups from terrorism offences; the Government and Coalition said this bill was not the right vehicle and voted against them.
The Greens argued the same test could apply to the Israel Defense Forces, and asked for no double standards in listings.
A Greens second reading amendment for Senator Thorpe called for more focus on far-right extremism; the Government opposed it.
23 speeches by 13 members in the House and Senate over 6 sitting days.
Hansard: House of Representatives, 8 Oct 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 28 Oct 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 29 Oct 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 4 Nov 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 5 Nov 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 6 Nov 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Australia's Voice
1 Yes
0 No
The last column counts members who did not vote. Party counts are for current members.
2 votes were cast by people who have since left Parliament.
Every party member who voted went with the majority of their party.