Counter-Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015

Introduced the bill and moved government amendments implementing all four committee recommendations. Emphasised the need for unity in legislating against terrorism and the importance of the bill for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

“We must legislate in unity. We must ensure that whatever preventative mechanisms are needed are put in place in unity.”— 2015-11-11View Hansard

Confirmed the opposition would not oppose the bill and supported the committee recommendations and minister's amendments. Questioned whether the government considered lowering the preventative detention age below 16.

“The opposition supports the committee recommendations. The opposition supports the amendments moved by the minister.”— 2015-11-11View Hansard

Spoke as committee chair noting bipartisan support and the four recommendations. Highlighted evidence from Deputy Commissioner Barnett about the deteriorating security situation and the upcoming Commonwealth Games as justification for extending the powers.

“This bill clearly demonstrates the government's commitment and our position as being tough on crime.”— 2015-11-11View Hansard

Supported the bill with particular focus on the reporting requirements under recommendation 2. Emphasised the impact of social media on terrorism recruitment and the need to give front-line agencies every tool available.

“It is incumbent upon us in this House to give the men and women who work in those front-line agencies every tool available to allow them to continue the great work that they do.”— 2015-11-11View Hansard

Supported the bill, highlighting the importance of extending extraterritorial police powers from three to 200 nautical miles and enabling terrorist emergency declarations for vessels before they enter Queensland.

“The ability to interdict vessels outside of Queensland's coastal waters creates a significant buffer to protect Queenslanders from acts of terrorism.”— 2015-11-11View Hansard

Supported the bill as Queensland's response to the COAG agreement on counterterrorism. Noted the need to balance individual rights with community safety and that the powers had not been abused during the initial 10-year period.

“A balance must be considered between individual rights and liberties, community safety and practical application: 'it is better to have them and not need them, than to need them and not have them'.”— 2015-11-11View Hansard

Supported the bill as a committee member, providing detailed analysis of the safeguards including the 24-hour initial detention limit, judicial oversight, and the new six-monthly and two-year review requirements.

“There are extraordinary powers for extraordinary times. We have seen over the last decade or two the need for us to have these extraordinary powers with adequate safeguards in place.”— 2015-11-11View Hansard

Briefly supported the bill, noting the changed security environment since 2005 and the challenge of terrorism recruitment through social media and the internet.

“I support what this bill is trying to do in trying to keep us a free nation—a nation where we can minimise attacks from individuals who want to destroy our free nation and our way of life.”— 2015-11-11View Hansard

Supported the bill with a focus on the fire safety amendments, particularly the broadened definition of 'occupier' to capture absent owners and rent masters who sublet unsafe accommodation.

“There is no place for exploitive housing in Queensland. Our firefighters do great work in identifying unsafe accommodation.”— 2015-11-11View Hansard

Supported the bill and discussed the broader policy context of education and deradicalisation. Called for stronger action against terrorist supporters including suspension of privileges and consideration of the death penalty for certain terrorist acts.

“Stopping the spread of extremist agendas and insular ideologies can only be addressed through engaging the disenfranchised, the disaffected and the marginalised from a very young chronological age.”— 2015-11-11View Hansard

Supported the bill, drawing on his personal experience living near Lavarack Barracks and knowing Defence personnel who served in Afghanistan. Argued the terrorism threat warranted extending these powers.

“I am satisfied that recent terrorism links across Australia warrant the extension of these powers in Queensland. I hope and pray that we never get to use these in any circumstance.”— 2015-11-11View Hansard

Supported the bill as a former police officer, emphasising the importance of giving police the legislative tools to deal with terrorism threats in a timely manner, particularly given the increasing sophistication of terrorist organisations.

“There can be nothing more frustrating for a police officer than to watch a criminal walk free or to fail to prevent an offence from occurring because they do not have the necessary legislative powers.”— 2015-11-11View Hansard

Supported the bill, noting the increasing threat of low-tech terrorism and the need for police to intervene early. Commended the Queensland Police Service for their performance during the G20 summit.

“Our highest and first duty as lawmakers is to provide for the safety of our citizens.”— 2015-11-11View Hansard

Supported the bill, highlighting the importance of these powers for major events including the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast. Noted that the legislation helped ensure security during the G20.

“Rather than live in fear of these monsters, we must adopt proactive measures that give our police and judges powers to deal harshly with perpetrators and their associates.”— 2015-11-11View Hansard

Supported the bill as a timely and balanced response to the terrorism threat, noting the increasing difficulty of detecting lone-actor attacks and praising the QPS performance during the G20.

“When it comes to the Terrorism (Preventative Detention) Act, it is far better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.”— 2015-11-11View Hansard

Supported the bill as a continuation of Queensland's preventative detention regime, emphasising the parliamentary oversight function provided by the new reporting requirements.

“This bill will provide the policy and legislative backing that police and emergency services require to perform their most difficult duty: stopping political violence that cuts at the heart of our community.”— 2015-11-11View Hansard