Migration Point-in-Time Service Updates

Tuesday 18 November 2014 @ 9.26 a.m.

The Migration Point-in-Time Service has been updated to include the new national security legislation contained in the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Foreign Fighters) Act 2014 (No. 116 of 2014).

Act 116 of 2014

The Act implements the Government‘s responses to the evolving national security landscape and in particular, the threat posed by Australians engaging in, and returning from, conflicts in foreign States. The latter category of persons, collectively referred to as “foreign fighters”, may have fought alongside listed terrorist organisations in overseas conflicts and return to Australia with enhanced terrorism capabilities and ideological commitment. This heightens the likelihood of the commission of terrorist acts on Australian soil.

The reforms introduce substantive changes to the criminal law regime in respect of terrorism offences. Cumulatively, they enhance the capabilities of Australia‘s law enforcement and intelligence agencies to respond proactively and effectively to the threats posed by foreign fighters to Australia and its national security interests.

The aims of the Act, according to the Explanatory Memorandum, are to:

  • Broaden the criteria and streamline the process for the listing of terrorist organisations and clarify associated offences;
  • Preserve and enhance key counter-terrorism measures due to expire; and
  • Provide certain law enforcement agencies with the tools needed to investigate, arrest and prosecute those supporting foreign conflicts.

The amendments made by Act 116 of 2014 have been updated in the Point-in-Time Migration Service current to 18 November 2014. (NB: Subscription required).

If you are not already a subscriber to this or other Point-in-Time Services then please contact us to find out more or to take a free trial