More akin to an intelligence review, the 14 recommendations in the interim report might help government agencies, but don’t yet reckon with the biggest questions.
- Associate Professor, Griffith Criminology Institute, Griffith University
Can we really create more cohesive societies by banning everything we deem to be not cohesive? It can be part of the approach, but there’s more work to do.
Australia’s definition of terrorism was created in 2002. Since then, the threat landscape has changed dramatically, and it’s time for the term to be revised.
It’s rare for a news day to go by without some mention of extremism. But it’s also rare for the meaning of this word to be explained – so what does it mean?
The draft hate speech bill includes the biggest terrorism reforms in years, but it raises more questions than it answers.
From a quirky Australian wheat farmer to more violent outcomes, the sovereign citizen movement often stems from a feeling of angst and uncertainty.
Criminologist Keiran Hardy talks to The Conversation Weekly podcast about the origins of the sovereign citizen movement, and how it started in Australia with Prince Leonard.
The alleged shooter in the Porepunkah police killings was reportedly a sovereign citizen - a group with often deep antagonism towards authority figures.
The listing triggers various offences, including for membership, support, or meeting with members of the organisation.
The caravan full of explosives terrified many Jewish people in January, so why is it not considered terrorism?
Responding forcefully to the growing number of antisemitic attacks is important. However, strengthening the laws alone may not be enough to result in real change.
Queensland is the latest state bring in laws banning neo-Nazi and far-right symbols, but no one knows yet precisely what will be banned. Here’s how the laws differ across the country.
Australia already has extensive counter-terrorism laws and does not need more. However, the government could more specifically target far-right groups in its list of proscribed organisations.
Australia is a long way from New York and Washington DC, but 9/11 was a seismic event for our country. For one thing, it has reshaped our ideas about criminal responsibility
The case may set a precedent about what is fixated behaviour and an appropriate use of the FPIU.
Some changes in the new security bill submitted to parliament last week are welcome, but others require careful scrutiny, especially when the rights of children are at stake.
The purpose of the NSIA is to protect national security information from being disclosed in courts. But this can undermine a defendant’s ability to argue his or her innocence.
New Zealand’s terrorism law has never been prosecuted successfully since it was enacted nearly 20 years ago. So, why are prosecutors bringing a terrorism charge against the Christchurch shooter?
An analysis of budget documents suggests that federal funding for community-based, counter-terrorism programs has dried up.
New laws aiming to crack down on foreign interference in Australian politics suggest the concept of ‘national security’ is continually expanding.
National discussions about counter-terrorism strategy are welcome, but require robust follow-up if they are to improve responses to terrorism.
The effectiveness of the changes to the ADF’s role in counter-terrorism operations will depend heavily on the willingness of state police to accept military advice and assistance.
There are many obstacles to successful prosecution, including obtaining evidence in a war zone and using foreign intelligence in court.
Terrorism laws contain extra hurdles to secure a conviction, so prosecutors and police may prefer to charge offenders with murder or assault in some cases.
The UK’s experience with its Prevent strategy over nearly a decade urges caution in how Australia should approach its own efforts to counter the threat of radicalisation.
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