Changes to Australia terror laws explained

Victoria and South Australia are changing their terror laws in the wake of incidents in Melbourne and overseas. This is a snapshot of what to expect.

Parliament House Canberra

Terror incidents in Melbourne and overseas prompts a change to laws in Victoria and South Australia. Source: AAP

South Australia has announced plans to toughen bail and parole laws to keep people with links to terrorism behind bars. Under changes to the Bail Act, police bail will be automatically denied for anyone who has demonstrated support for, or has links to, terrorist activity. Meanwhile, Victoria is considering new laws that would see teen terror suspects as young as 14 locked up for two weeks without charge.

Here's how the measures will pan out:

CHANGES TO AUSTRALIAN TERROR LAWS

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

- The South Australian government will boost bail and parole laws to keep people with links to terrorism behind bars

- The Bail Act will be amended to create automatic denial of police bail and a presumption against court-ordered bail for anyone with links to terrorism

- SA parole board will be less likely to parole anyone with demonstrated support for - or links to - terrorist activity

- Increased bollards and security checks at Adelaide Oval
VICTORIA

- Victorian teenagers as young as 14 could be detained for up to two weeks without charge

- The state is considering legislation similar to NSW laws that allow police to hold teen terror suspects without charge for up to two weeks

- Three tonne concrete bollards installed in key locations in Melbourne to prevent vehicle attacks

- Move comes after Yacqub Khayre killed a man and injured three police in an attack in Brighton on June 5
COAG

- Premiers and chief ministers agreed to toughen bail and parole rules for people who demonstrated support or have links to terrorist activity at Friday's COAG meeting

- Includes a presumption against alleged terrorists' release, even if they had not been in jail for a terror-related offence

- Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said the "presumption" was a vital element in keeping people who were a threat off the streets.

Source: Victorian government, SA government, federal government


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2 min read
Published 13 June 2017 3:36pm
Updated 13 June 2017 5:43pm
Source: AAP


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