Criminal Code Act 1995 (Australia, unsourced)/Chapter 5
Chapter 5—The security of the Commonwealth
[edit]Part 5.1—Treason
[edit]Division 80—Treason
80.1 Treason
- (1) A person commits an offence, called treason, if the person:
- (a) causes the death of the Sovereign, the heir apparent of the Sovereign, the consort of the Sovereign, the Governor‑General or the Prime Minister; or
- (b) causes harm to the Sovereign, the Governor‑General or the Prime Minister resulting in the death of the Sovereign, the Governor‑General or the Prime Minister; or
- (c) causes harm to the Sovereign, the Governor‑General or the Prime Minister, or imprisons or restrains the Sovereign, the Governor‑General or the Prime Minister; or
- (d) levies war, or does any act preparatory to levying war, against the Commonwealth; or
- (e) engages in conduct that assists by any means whatever, with intent to assist, an enemy:
- (i) at war with the Commonwealth, whether or not the existence of a state of war has been declared; and
- (ii) specified by Proclamation made for the purpose of this paragraph to be an enemy at war with the Commonwealth; or
- (f) engages in conduct that assists by any means whatever, with intent to assist:
- (i) another country; or
- (ii) an organisation; that is engaged in armed hostilities against the Australian Defence Force: or
- (g) instigates a person who is not an Australian citizen to make an armed invasion of the Commonwealth or a Territory of the Commonwealth; or
- (h) forms an intention to do any act referred to in a preceding paragraph and manifests that intention by an overt act.
Penalty: Imprisonment for life.
- (1A) Paragraphs (1) (e) and (f) do not apply to engagement in conduct by way of, or for the purposes of, the provision of aid of a humanitarian nature.
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (1A). See subsection 13.3(3).
- (1B) Paragraph (1) (h) does not apply to formation of an intention to engage in conduct that:
- (a) is referred to in paragraph (1) (e) or (f); and
- (b) is by way of, or for the purposes of, the provision of aid of a humanitarian nature.
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (1B). See subsection 13.3(3).
- (2) A person commits an offence if the person:
- (a) receives or assists another person who, to his or her knowledge, has committed treason with the intention of allowing him or her to escape punishment or apprehension; or
- (b) knowing that another person intends to commit treason, does not inform a constable of it within a reasonable time or use other reasonable endeavours to prevent the commission of the offence.
Penalty: Imprisonment for life.
- (3) Proceedings for an offence against this section must not be commenced without the Attorney‑General’s written consent.
- (4) Despite subsection (3):
- (a) a person may be arrested for an offence against this section; or
- (b) a warrant for the arrest of a person for such an offence may be issued and executed;
and the person may be charged, and may be remanded in custody or on bail, but:
- (c) no further proceedings may be taken until that consent has been obtained; and
- (d) the person must be discharged if proceedings are not continued within a reasonable time.
- (5) On the trial of a person charged with treason on the ground that he or she formed an intention to do an act referred to in paragraph (1)(a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f) or (g) and manifested that intention by an overt act, evidence of the overt act is not to be admitted unless the overt act is alleged in the indictment.
- (6) Section 24F of the Crimes Act 1914 applies to this section in the same way it would if this section were a provision of Part II of that Act.
- (7) Section 15.4 (extended geographical jurisdiction—category D) applies to an offence against this section.
- (8) In this section:
constable means a member or special member of the Australian Federal Police or a member of the police force or police service of a State or Territory.
organisation means:
- (a) a body corporate; or
- (b) an unincorporated body;
whether or not the body is based outside Australia, consists of persons who are not Australian citizens, or is part of a larger organisation.
Part 5.2—Offences relating to espionage and similar activities
[edit]Division 90—Preliminary
90.1 Definitions
- (1) In this Part:
article includes any thing, substance or material.
information means information of any kind, whether true or false and whether in a material form or not, and includes:
- (a) an opinion; and
- (b) a report of a conversation.
intelligence or security agency has the meaning given by section 85ZL of the Crimes Act 1914.
record, in relation to information, means a record of information in any form, including but not limited to, a document, paper, database, software system or other article or system containing information or from which information can be derived.
security or defence of a country includes the operations, capabilities and technologies of, and methods and sources used by, the country’s intelligence or security agencies.
sketch includes a representation of a place or thing.
the Commonwealth includes the Territories.
- (2) In this Part, unless the contrary intention appears:
- (a) expressions referring to obtaining, recording, using, having in possession, communicating or retaining include obtaining, recording, using, having in possession, communicating or retaining in whole or in part, and whether the thing or information itself, or only the substance, effect or description of the thing or information, is obtained, recorded, used, possessed, communicated or retained; and
- (b) a reference to a sketch, document or article or to information is to be read as including a reference to a copy of, a part of or a copy of a part of a sketch, document or article or information.
- (3) For the purposes of this Part, a place that is occupied by, or a thing that is under the control of, the Commonwealth is taken to belong to the Commonwealth.
- (4) This Part applies to and in relation to a document or article regardless of who made it and what information it contains.
Division 91—Offences relating to espionage and similar activities
91.1 Espionage and similar activities
- (1) A person commits an offence if:
- (a) the person communicates, or makes available:
- (i) information concerning the Commonwealth’s security or defence; or
- (ii) information concerning the security or defence of another country, being information that the person acquired (whether directly or indirectly) from the Commonwealth; and
- (b) the person does so intending to prejudice the Commonwealth’s security or defence; and
- (c) the person’s act results in, or is likely to result in, the information being communicated or made available to another country or a foreign organisation, or to a person acting on behalf of such a country or organisation.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
- (2) A person commits an offence if:
- (a) the person communicates, or makes available:
- (i) information concerning the Commonwealth’s security or defence; or
- (ii) information concerning the security or defence of another country, being information that the person acquired (whether directly or indirectly) from the Commonwealth; and
- (b) the person does so:
- (i) without lawful authority; and
- (ii) intending to give an advantage to another country’s security or defence; and
- (c) the person’s act results in, or is likely to result in, the information being communicated or made available to another country or a foreign organisation, or to a person acting on behalf of such a country or organisation.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
- (3) A person commits an offence if:
- (a) the person makes, obtains or copies a record (in any form) of:
- (i) information concerning the Commonwealth’s security or defence; or
- (ii) information concerning the security or defence of another country, being information that the person acquired (whether directly or indirectly) from the Commonwealth; and
- (b) the person does so:
- (i) intending that the record will, or may, be delivered to another country or a foreign organisation, or to a person acting on behalf of such a country or organisation; and
- (ii) intending to prejudice the Commonwealth’s security or defence.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
- (4) A person commits an offence if:
- (a) the person makes, obtains or copies a record (in any form) of:
- (i) information concerning the Commonwealth’s security or defence; or
- (ii) information concerning the security or defence of another country, being information that the person acquired (whether directly or indirectly) from the Commonwealth; and
- (b) the person does so:
- (i) without lawful authority; and
- (ii) intending that the record will, or may, be delivered to another country or a foreign organisation, or to a person acting on behalf of such a country or organisation; and
- (iii) intending to give an advantage to another country’s security or defence.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
- (5) For the purposes of subparagraphs (3)(b)(i) and (4)(b)(ii), the person concerned does not need to have a particular country, foreign organisation or person in mind at the time when the person makes, obtains or copies the record.
- (6) A person charged with an offence under this section may only be remanded on bail by a judge of the Supreme Court of a State or Territory. This subsection has effect despite anything in section 93.1.
Note: Section 93.1 deals with how a prosecution is instituted.
- (7) Section 15.4 of the Criminal Code (extended geographical jurisdiction—category D) applies to offences under this section.
91.2 Defence—information lawfully available
- (1) It is a defence to a prosecution of an offence against subsection 91.1(1) or (2) that the information the person communicates or makes available is information that has already been communicated or made available to the public with the authority of the Commonwealth.
- (2) It is a defence to a prosecution of an offence against subsection 91.1(3) or (4) that the record of information the person makes, obtains or copies is a record of information that has already been communicated or made available to the public with the authority of the Commonwealth.
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in subsections (1) and (2). See subsection 13.3(3).
Division 93—Prosecutions and hearings
93.1 Institution of prosecution
- (1) A prosecution under this Part may be instituted only by, or with the consent of, the Attorney‑General or a person acting under the Attorney‑General’s direction.
- (2) However:
- (a) a person charged with an offence against this Part may be arrested, or a warrant for his or her arrest may be issued and executed; and
- (b) such a person may be remanded in custody or on bail;
even if the consent of the Attorney‑General or a person acting under his or her direction has not been obtained, but no further proceedings are to be taken until that consent has been obtained.
- (3) Nothing in this section prevents the discharging of the accused if proceedings are not continued within a reasonable time.
93.2 Hearing in camera etc.
- (1) This section applies to a hearing of an application or other proceedings before a federal court, a court exercising federal jurisdiction or a court of a Territory, whether under this Act or otherwise.
- (2) At any time before or during the hearing, the judge or magistrate, or other person presiding or competent to preside over the proceedings, may, if satisfied that it is in the interest of the security or defence of the Commonwealth:
- (a) order that some or all of the members of the public be excluded during the whole or a part of the hearing; or
- (b) order that no report of the whole or a specified part of, or relating to, the application or proceedings be published; or
- (c) make such order and give such directions as he or she thinks necessary for ensuring that no person, without the approval of the court, has access (whether before, during or after the hearing) to any affidavit, exhibit, information or other document used in the application or the proceedings that is on the file in the court or in the records of the court.
- (3) A person commits an offence if the person contravenes an order made or direction given under this section.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years.
Division 94—Forfeiture
94.1 Forfeiture of articles etc.
A sketch, article, record or document which is made, obtained, recorded, retained, forged, possessed or otherwise dealt with in contravention of this Part is forfeited to the Commonwealth.
Part 5.3—Terrorism
[edit]Division 100—Preliminary
100.1 Definitions
- (1) In this Part:
Commonwealth place has the same meaning as in the Commonwealth Places (Application of Laws) Act 1970.
constitutional corporation means a corporation to which paragraph 51(xx) of the Constitution applies.
express amendment of the provisions of this Part or Chapter 2 means the direct amendment of the provisions (whether by the insertion, omission, repeal, substitution or relocation of words or matter).
funds means:
- (a) property and assets of every kind, whether tangible or intangible, movable or immovable, however acquired; and
- (b) legal documents or instruments in any form, including electronic or digital, evidencing title to, or interest in, such property or assets, including, but not limited to, bank credits, travellers cheques, bank cheques, money orders, shares, securities, bonds, debt instruments, drafts and letters of credit.
organisation means a body corporate or an unincorporated body, whether or not the body:
- (a) is based outside Australia; or
- (b) consists of persons who are not Australian citizens; or
- (c) is part of a larger organisation.
referring State has the meaning given by section 100.2.
terrorist act means an action or threat of action where:
- (a) the action falls within subsection (2) and does not fall within subsection (3); and
- (b) the action is done or the threat is made with the intention of advancing a political, religious or ideological cause; and
- (c) the action is done or the threat is made with the intention of:
- (i) coercing, or influencing by intimidation, the government of the Commonwealth or a State, Territory or foreign country, or of part of a State, Territory or foreign country; or
- (ii) intimidating the public or a section of the public.
- (2) Action falls within this subsection if it:
- (a) causes serious harm that is physical harm to a person; or
- (b) causes serious damage to property; or
- (c) causes a person’s death; or
- (d) endangers a person’s life, other than the life of the person taking the action; or
- (e) creates a serious risk to the health or safety of the public or a section of the public; or
- (f) seriously interferes with, seriously disrupts, or destroys, an electronic system including, but not limited to:
- (i) an information system; or
- (ii) a telecommunications system; or
- (iii) a financial system; or
- (iv) a system used for the delivery of essential government services; or
- (v) a system used for, or by, an essential public utility; or
- (vi) a system used for, or by, a transport system.
- (3) Action falls within this subsection if it:
- (a) is advocacy, protest, dissent or industrial action; and
- (b) is not intended:
- (i) to cause serious harm that is physical harm to a person; or
- (ii) to cause a person’s death; or
- (iii) to endanger the life of a person, other than the person taking the action; or
- (iv) to create a serious risk to the health or safety of the public or a section of the public.
- (4) In this Division:
- (a) a reference to any person or property is a reference to any person or property wherever situated, within or outside Australia; and
- (b) a reference to the public includes a reference to the public of a country other than Australia.
100.2 Referring States
- (1) A State is a referring State if the Parliament of the State has referred the matters covered by subsections (2) and (3) to the Parliament of the Commonwealth for the purposes of paragraph 51(xxxvii) of the Constitution:
- (a) if and to the extent that the matters are not otherwise included in the legislative powers of the Parliament of the Commonwealth (otherwise than by a reference under paragraph 51(xxxvii) of the Constitution); and
- (b) if and to the extent that the matters are included in the legislative powers of the Parliament of the State.
This subsection has effect subject to subsection (5).
- (2) This subsection covers the matters to which the referred provisions relate to the extent of making laws with respect to those matters by including the referred provisions in this Code.
- (3) This subsection covers the matter of terrorist acts, and of actions relating to terrorist acts, to the extent of making laws with respect to that matter by making express amendment of this Part or Chapter 2.
- (4) A State is a referring State even if a law of the State provides that the reference to the Commonwealth Parliament of either or both of the matters covered by subsections (2) and (3) is to terminate in particular circumstances.
- (5) A State ceases to be a referring State if a reference by the State of either or both of the matters covered by subsections (2) and (3) terminate.
- (6) In this section:
referred provisions means the provisions of Part 5.3 of this Code as inserted by the Criminal Code Amendment (Terrorism) Act 2002, to the extent to which they deal with matters that are included in the legislative powers of the Parliaments of the States.
100.3 Constitutional basis for the operation of this Part
Operation in a referring State
- (1) The operation of this Part in a referring State is based on:
- (a) the legislative powers that the Commonwealth Parliament has under section 51 of the Constitution (other than paragraph 51(xxxvii)); and
- (b) the legislative powers that the Commonwealth Parliament has in respect of matters to which this Part relates because those matters are referred to it by the Parliament of the referring State under paragraph 51(xxxvii) of the Constitution.
Note: The State reference fully supplements the Commonwealth Parliament’s other powers by referring the matters to the Commonwealth Parliament to the extent to which they are not otherwise included in the legislative powers of the Commonwealth Parliament.
Operation in a non‑referring State
- (2) The operation of this Part in a State that is not a referring State is based on the legislative powers that the Commonwealth Parliament has under section 51 of the Constitution (other than paragraph 51(xxxvii)).
Note: Subsection 100.4(5) identifies particular powers that are being relied on.
Operation in a Territory
- (3) The operation of this Part in the Northern Territory, the Australian Capital Territory or an external Territory is based on:
- (a) the legislative powers that the Commonwealth Parliament has under section 122 of the Constitution to make laws for the government of that Territory; and
- (b) the legislative powers that the Commonwealth Parliament has under section 51 of the Constitution (other than paragraph 51(xxxvii)).
Despite subsection 22(3) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901, this Part as applying in those Territories is a law of the Commonwealth.
Operation outside Australia
- (4) The operation of this Part outside Australia and the external Territories is based on:
- (a) the legislative powers that the Commonwealth Parliament has under paragraph 51(xxix) of the Constitution; and
- (b) the other legislative powers that the Commonwealth Parliament has under section 51 of the Constitution (other than paragraph 51(xxxvii)).
100.4 Application of provisions
Part generally applies to all terrorist acts and preliminary acts
- (1) Subject to subsection (4), this Part applies to the following conduct:
- (a) all actions or threats of action that constitute terrorist acts (no matter where the action occurs, the threat is made or the action, if carried out, would occur);
- (b) all actions (preliminary acts) that relate to terrorist acts but do not themselves constitute terrorist acts (no matter where the preliminary acts occur and no matter where the terrorist acts to which they relate occur or would occur).
Note: See the following provisions:
- (a) subsection 101.1(2);
- (b) subsection 101.2(4);
- (c) subsection 101.4(4);
- (d) subsection 101.5(4);
- (e) subsection 101.6(3);
- (f) section 102.9.
Operation in relation to terrorist acts and preliminary acts occurring in a State that is not a referring State
- (2) Subsections (4) and (5) apply to conduct if the conduct is itself a terrorist act and:
- (a) the terrorist act consists of an action and the action occurs in a State that is not a referring State; or
- (b) the terrorist act consists of a threat of action and the threat is made in a State that is not a referring State.
- (3) Subsections (4) and (5) also apply to conduct if the conduct is a preliminary act that occurs in a State that is not a referring State and:
- (a) the terrorist act to which the preliminary act relates consists of an action and the action occurs, or would occur, in a State that is not a referring State; or
- (b) the terrorist act to which the preliminary act relates consists of a threat of action and the threat is made, or would be made, in a State that is not a referring State.
- (4) Notwithstanding any other provision in this Part, this Part applies to the conduct only to the extent to which the Parliament has power to legislate in relation to:
- (a) if the conduct is itself a terrorist act—the action or threat of action that constitutes the terrorist act; or
- (b) if the conduct is a preliminary act—the action or threat of action that constitutes the terrorist act to which the preliminary act relates.
- (5) Without limiting the generality of subsection (4), this Part applies to the action or threat of action if:
- (a) the action affects, or if carried out would affect, the interests of:
- (i) the Commonwealth; or
- (ii) an authority of the Commonwealth; or
- (iii) a constitutional corporation; or
- (b) the threat is made to:
- (i) the Commonwealth; or
- (ii) an authority of the Commonwealth; or
- (iii) a constitutional corporation; or
- (c) the action is carried out by, or the threat is made by, a constitutional corporation; or
- (d) the action takes place, or if carried out would take place, in a Commonwealth place; or
- (e) the threat is made in a Commonwealth place; or
- (f) the action involves, or if carried out would involve, the use of a postal service or other like service; or
- (g) the threat is made using a postal or other like service; or
- (h) the action involves, or if carried out would involve, the use of an electronic communication; or
- (i) the threat is made using an electronic communication; or
- (j) the action disrupts, or if carried out would disrupt, trade or commerce:
- (i) between Australia and places outside Australia; or
- (ii) among the States; or
- (iii) within a Territory, between a State and a Territory or between 2 Territories; or
- (k) the action disrupts, or if carried out would disrupt:
- (i) banking (other than State banking not extending beyond the limits of the State concerned); or
- (ii) insurance (other than State insurance not extending beyond the limits of the State concerned); or
- (l) the action is, or if carried out would be, an action in relation to which the Commonwealth is obliged to create an offence under international law; or
- (m) the threat is one in relation to which the Commonwealth is obliged to create an offence under international law.
- (6) To avoid doubt, subsections (2) and (3) apply to a State that is not a referring State at a particular time even if no State is a referring State at that time.
100.5 Application of Acts Interpretation Act 1901
- (1) The Acts Interpretation Act 1901, as in force on the day on which Schedule 1 to the Criminal Code Amendment (Terrorism) Act 2003 commences, applies to this Part.
- (2) Amendments of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 made after that day do not apply to this Part.
100.6 Concurrent operation intended
- (1) This Part is not intended to exclude or limit the concurrent operation of any law of a State or Territory.
- (2) Without limiting subsection (1), this Part is not intended to exclude or limit the concurrent operation of a law of a State or Territory that makes:
- (a) an act or omission that is an offence against a provision of this Part; or
- (b) a similar act or omission;
an offence against the law of the State or Territory.
- (3) Subsection (2) applies even if the law of the State or Territory does any one or more of the following:
- (a) provides for a penalty for the offence that differs from the penalty provided for in this Part;
- (b) provides for a fault element in relation to the offence that differs from the fault elements applicable to the offence under this Part;
- (c) provides for a defence in relation to the offence that differs from the defences applicable to the offence under this Part.
- (4) If:
- (a) an act or omission of a person is an offence under this Part and is also an offence under the law of a State or Territory; and
- (b) the person has been punished for the offence under the law of the State or Territory;
the person is not liable to be punished for the offence under this Part.
100.7 Regulations may modify operation of this Part to deal with interaction between this Part and State and Territory laws
- (1) The regulations may modify the operation of this Part so that:
- (a) provisions of this Part do not apply to a matter that is dealt with by a law of a State or Territory specified in the regulations; or
- (b) no inconsistency arises between the operation of a provision of this Part and the operation of a State or Territory law specified in the regulations.
- (2) Without limiting subsection (1), regulations made for the purposes of that subsection may provide that the provision of this Part does not apply to:
- (a) a person specified in the regulations; or
- (b) a body specified in the regulations; or
- (c) circumstances specified in the regulations; or
- (d) a person or body specified in the regulations in the circumstances specified in the regulations.
- (3) In this section:
matter includes act, omission, body, person or thing.
100.8 Approval for changes to or affecting this Part
- (1) This section applies to:
- (a) an express amendment of this Part (including this section); and
- (b) an express amendment of Chapter 2 that applies only to this Part (whether or not it is expressed to apply only to this Part).
- (2) An express amendment to which this section applies is not to be made unless the amendment is approved by:
- (a) a majority of the group consisting of the States, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory; and
- (b) at least 4 States.
Division 101—Terrorism
101.1 Terrorist acts
- (1) A person commits an offence if the person engages in a terrorist act.
Penalty: Imprisonment for life.
- (2) Section 15.4 (extended geographical jurisdiction—category D) applies to an offence against subsection (1).
101.2 Providing or receiving training connected with terrorist acts
- (1) A person commits an offence if:
- (a) the person provides or receives training; and
- (b) the training is connected with preparation for, the engagement of a person in, or assistance in a terrorist act; and
- (c) the person mentioned in paragraph (a) knows of the connection described in paragraph (b).
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
- (2) A person commits an offence if:
- (a) the person provides or receives training; and
- (b) the training is connected with preparation for, the engagement of a person in, or assistance in a terrorist act; and
- (c) the person mentioned in paragraph (a) is reckless as to the existence of the connection described in paragraph (b).
Penalty: Imprisonment for 15 years.
- (3) A person commits an offence under this section even if the terrorist act does not occur.
- (4) Section 15.4 (extended geographical jurisdiction—category D) applies to an offence against this section.
- (5) If, in a prosecution for an offence (the prosecuted offence) against a subsection of this section, the trier of fact is not satisfied that the defendant is guilty of the offence, but is satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty of an offence (the alternative offence) against another subsection of this section, the trier of fact may find the defendant not guilty of the prosecuted offence but guilty of the alternative offence, so long as the defendant has been accorded procedural fairness in relation to that finding of guilt.
101.4 Possessing things connected with terrorist acts
- (1) A person commits an offence if:
- (a) the person possesses a thing; and
- (b) the thing is connected with preparation for, the engagement of a person in, or assistance in a terrorist act; and
- (c) the person mentioned in paragraph (a) knows of the connection described in paragraph (b).
Penalty: Imprisonment for 15 years.
- (2) A person commits an offence if:
- (a) the person possesses a thing; and
- (b) the thing is connected with preparation for, the engagement of a person in, or assistance in a terrorist act; and
- (c) the person mentioned in paragraph (a) is reckless as to the existence of the connection described in paragraph (b).
Penalty: Imprisonment for 10 years.
- (3) A person commits an offence under subsection (1) or (2) even if the terrorist act does not occur.
- (4) Section 15.4 (extended geographical jurisdiction—category D) applies to an offence against this section.
- (5) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply if the possession of the thing was not intended to facilitate preparation for, the engagement of a person in, or assistance in a terrorist act.
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (5) (see subsection 13.3(3)).
- (6) If, in a prosecution for an offence (the prosecuted offence) against a subsection of this section, the trier of fact is not satisfied that the defendant is guilty of the offence, but is satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty of an offence (the alternative offence) against another subsection of this section, the trier of fact may find the defendant not guilty of the prosecuted offence but guilty of the alternative offence, so long as the defendant has been accorded procedural fairness in relation to that finding of guilt.
101.5 Collecting or making documents likely to facilitate terrorist acts
- (1) A person commits an offence if:
- (a) the person collects or makes a document; and
- (b) the document is connected with preparation for, the engagement of a person in, or assistance in a terrorist act; and
- (c) the person mentioned in paragraph (a) knows of the connection described in paragraph (b).
Penalty: Imprisonment for 15 years.
- (2) A person commits an offence if:
- (a) the person collects or makes a document; and
- (b) the document is connected with preparation for, the engagement of a person in, or assistance in a terrorist act; and
- (c) the person mentioned in paragraph (a) is reckless as to the existence of the connection described in paragraph (b).
Penalty: Imprisonment for 10 years.
- (3) A person commits an offence under subsection (1) or (2) even if the terrorist act does not occur.
- (4) Section 15.4 (extended geographical jurisdiction—category D) applies to an offence against this section.
- (5) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply if the collection or making of the document was not intended to facilitate preparation for, the engagement of a person in, or assistance in a terrorist act.
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (5) (see subsection 13.3(3)).
- (6) If, in a prosecution for an offence (the prosecuted offence) against a subsection of this section, the trier of fact is not satisfied that the defendant is guilty of the offence, but is satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty of an offence (the alternative offence) against another subsection of this section, the trier of fact may find the defendant not guilty of the prosecuted offence but guilty of the alternative offence, so long as the defendant has been accorded procedural fairness in relation to that finding of guilt.
101.6 Other acts done in preparation for, or planning, terrorist acts
- (1) A person commits an offence if the person does any act in preparation for, or planning, a terrorist act.
Penalty: Imprisonment for life.
- (2) A person commits an offence under subsection (1) even if the terrorist act does not occur.
- (3) Section 15.4 (extended geographical jurisdiction—category D) applies to an offence against subsection (1).
Division 102—Terrorist organisations
Subdivision A—Definitions
102.1 Definitions
- (1) In this Division:
associate: a person associates with another person if the person meets or communicates with the other person.
close family member of a person means:
- (a) the person’s spouse, de facto spouse or same‑sex partner; or
- (b) a parent, step‑parent or grandparent of the person; or
- (c) a child, step‑child or grandchild of the person; or
- (d) a brother, sister, step‑brother or step‑sister of the person; or
- (e) a guardian or carer of the person.
Hamas organisation means:
- (a) Hamas’ Izz al‑Din al‑Qassam Brigades (by whatever name that organisation is known from time to time); or
- (b) an organisation derived from that organisation.
Hizballah organisation means:
- (a) the Hizballah External Security Organisation (by whatever name that organisation is known from time to time); or
- (b) an organisation derived from that organisation.
Lashkar‑e‑Tayyiba organisation means:
- (a) the Lashkar‑e‑Tayyiba organisation (by whatever name that organisation is known from time to time); or
- (b) an organisation derived from that organisation.
member of an organisation includes:
- (a) a person who is an informal member of the organisation; and
- (b) a person who has taken steps to become a member of the organisation; and
- (c) in the case of an organisation that is a body corporate—a director or an officer of the body corporate.
recruit includes induce, incite and encourage.
terrorist organisation means:
- (a) an organisation that is directly or indirectly engaged in, preparing, planning, assisting in or fostering the doing of a terrorist act (whether or not the terrorist act occurs); or
- (b) an organisation that is specified by the regulations for the purposes of this paragraph (see subsections (2), (3) and (4)); or
- (c) a Hizballah organisation, if that organisation is specified by the regulations for the purposes of this paragraph (see subsections (7), (8) and (9)); or
- (d) a Hamas organisation, if that organisation is specified by the regulations for the purposes of this paragraph (see subsections (7), (8) and (10A)); or
- (e) a Lashkar‑e‑Tayyiba organisation, if that organisation is specified by the regulations for the purposes of this paragraph (see subsections (7), (8) and (10C)).
- (2) Before the Governor‑General makes a regulation specifying an organisation for the purposes of paragraph (b) of the definition of terrorist organisation in this section, the Minister must be satisfied on reasonable grounds that the organisation is directly or indirectly engaged in, preparing, planning, assisting in or fostering the doing of a terrorist act (whether or not the terrorist act has occurred or will occur).
- (2A) Before the Governor‑General makes a regulation specifying an organisation for the purposes of paragraph (b) of the definition of terrorist organisation in this section, the Minister must arrange for the Leader of the Opposition in the House of Representatives to be briefed in relation to the proposed regulation.
- (3) Regulations for the purposes of paragraph (b) of the definition of terrorist organisation in this section cease to have effect on the second anniversary of the day on which they take effect. To avoid doubt, this subsection does not prevent:
- (a) the repeal of those regulations; or
- (b) the cessation of effect of those regulations under subsection (4); or
- (c) the making of new regulations the same in substance as those regulations (whether the new regulations are made or take effect before or after those regulations cease to have effect because of this subsection).
- (4) If
- (a) an organisation is specified by regulations made for the purposes of paragraph (b) of the definition of terrorist organisation in this section; and
- (b) the Minister ceases to be satisfied that the organisation is directly or indirectly engaged in, preparing, planning, assisting in or fostering the doing of a terrorist act (whether or not the terrorist act has occurred or will occur);
the Minister must, by written notice published in the Gazette, make a declaration to the effect that the Minister has ceased to be so satisfied. The regulations, to the extent to which they specify the organisation, cease to have effect when the declaration is made.
- (5) To avoid doubt, subsection (4) does not prevent the organisation from being subsequently specified by regulations made for the purposes of paragraph (b) of the definition of terrorist organisation in this section if the Minister becomes satisfied as mentioned in subsection (2).
- (6) If, under subsection (3) or (4), a regulation ceases to have effect, section 50 of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 applies as if the regulation had been repealed.
- (7) Before the Governor‑General makes a regulation specifying:
- (a) a Hizballah organisation for the purposes of paragraph (c) of the definition of terrorist organisation in this section; or
- (b) a Hamas organisation for the purposes of paragraph (d) of the definition of terrorist organisation in this section; or
- (c) a Lashkar‑e‑Tayyiba organisation for the purposes of paragraph (e) of the definition of terrorist organisation in this section;
the Minister must be satisfied on reasonable grounds that the organisation is directly or indirectly engaged in, preparing, planning, assisting in or fostering the doing of a terrorist act (whether or not the terrorist act has occurred or will occur).
- (8) Regulations for the purposes of paragraph (c), (d) or (e) of the definition of terrorist organisation in this section cease to have effect on the second anniversary of the day on which they take effect. To avoid doubt, this subsection does not prevent:
- (a) the repeal of those regulations; or
- (b) the cessation of effect of those regulations under subsection (9), (10A) or (10C); or
- (c) the making of new regulations the same in substance as those regulations (whether the new regulations are made or take effect before or after those regulations cease to have effect because of this subsection).
- (9) If:
- (a) a Hizballah organisation is specified by regulations made for the purposes of paragraph (c) of the definition of terrorist organisation in this section; and
- (b) the Minister ceases to be satisfied that the organisation is directly or indirectly engaged in, preparing, planning, assisting in or fostering the doing of a terrorist act (whether or not the terrorist act has occurred or will occur);
the Minister must, by written notice published in the Gazette, make a declaration to the effect that the Minister has ceased to be so satisfied. The regulations, to the extent to which they specify the organisation, cease to have effect when the declaration is made.
- (10) To avoid doubt, subsection (9) does not prevent a Hizballah organisation from being subsequently specified by regulations made for the purposes of paragraph (c) of the definition of terrorist organisation in this section if the Minister again becomes satisfied as mentioned in subsection (7).
- (10A) If:
- (a) a Hamas organisation is specified by regulations made for the purposes of paragraph (d) of the definition of terrorist organisation in this section; and
- (b) the Minister ceases to be satisfied that the organisation is directly or indirectly engaged in, preparing, planning, assisting in or fostering the doing of a terrorist act (whether or not the terrorist act has occurred or will occur);
the Minister must, by written notice published in the Gazette, make a declaration to the effect that the Minister has ceased to be so satisfied. The regulations, to the extent to which they specify the organisation, cease to have effect when the declaration is made.
- (10B) To avoid doubt, subsection (10A) does not prevent a Hamas organisation from being subsequently specified by regulations made for the purposes of paragraph (d) of the definition of terrorist organisation in this section if the Minister again becomes satisfied as mentioned in subsection (7).
- (10C) If:
- (a) a Lashkar‑e‑Tayyiba organisation is specified by regulations made for the purposes of paragraph (e) of the definition of terrorist organisation in this section; and
- (b) the Minister ceases to be satisfied that the organisation is directly or indirectly engaged in, preparing, planning, assisting in or fostering the doing of a terrorist act (whether or not the terrorist act has occurred or will occur);
the Minister must, by written notice published in the Gazette, make a declaration to the effect that the Minister has ceased to be so satisfied. The regulations, to the extent to which they specify the organisation, cease to have effect when the declaration is made.
- (10D) To avoid doubt, subsection (10C) does not prevent a Lashkar‑e‑Tayyiba organisation from being subsequently specified by regulations made for the purposes of paragraph (e) of the definition of terrorist organisation in this section if the Minister again becomes satisfied as mentioned in subsection (7).
- (11) If:
- (a) at a particular time on a particular day, the Minister is satisfied on reasonable grounds that a particular Hizballah organisation is directly or indirectly engaged in, preparing, planning, assisting in or fostering the doing of a terrorist act (whether or not the terrorist act has occurred or will occur); and
- (b) at a later time on that day, the Minister, or another Minister, makes a public announcement to the effect that:
- (i) a regulation will be made specifying the organisation for the purposes of paragraph (c) of the definition of terrorist organisation in this section; and
- (ii) the regulation will take effect at the time of the announcement; and
- (c) the regulation is made within 60 days after the day on which the Criminal Code Amendment (Hizballah) Act 2003 receives the Royal Assent;
the regulation takes effect at the time of the announcement.
- (11A) If:
- (a) at a particular time on a particular day, the Minister is satisfied on reasonable grounds that a particular Hamas organisation is directly or indirectly engaged in, preparing, planning, assisting in or fostering the doing of a terrorist act (whether or not the terrorist act has occurred or will occur); and
- (b) at a later time on that day, the Minister, or another Minister, makes a public announcement to the effect that:
- (i) a regulation will be made specifying the organisation for the purposes of paragraph (d) of the definition of terrorist organisation in this section; and
- (ii) the regulation will take effect at the time of the announcement; and
- (c) the regulation is made within 60 days after the day on which the Criminal Code Amendment (Hamas and Lashkar‑e‑Tayyiba) Act 2003 receives the Royal Assent;
the regulation takes effect at the time of the announcement.
- (11B) If:
- (a) at a particular time on a particular day, the Minister is satisfied on reasonable grounds that a particular Lashkar‑e‑Tayyiba organisation is directly or indirectly engaged in, preparing, planning, assisting in or fostering the doing of a terrorist act (whether or not the terrorist act has occurred or will occur); and
- (b) at a later time on that day, the Minister, or another Minister, makes a public announcement to the effect that:
- (i) a regulation will be made specifying the organisation for the purposes of paragraph (e) of the definition of terrorist organisation in this section; and
- (ii) the regulation will take effect at the time of the announcement; and
- (c) the regulation is made within 60 days after the day on which the Criminal Code Amendment (Hamas and Lashkar‑e‑Tayyiba) Act 2003 receives the Royal Assent;
the regulation takes effect at the time of the announcement.
- (12) A copy of the announcement referred to in paragraph (11)(b), (11A)(b) or (11B)(b) must be published:
- (a) on the Internet; and
- (b) in a newspaper circulating in each State and the Northern Territory.
- (13) If, under subsection (8), (9), (10A) or (10C), a regulation ceases to have effect, section 50 of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 applies as if the regulation had been repealed.
- (14) The power to make regulations for the purposes of paragraph (c) of the definition of terrorist organisation in this section does not limit the power to make regulations specifying a Hizballah organisation for the purposes of paragraph (b) of that definition.
- (15) The power to make regulations for the purposes of paragraph (d) of the definition of terrorist organisation in this section does not limit the power to make regulations specifying a Hamas organisation for the purposes of paragraph (b) of that definition.
- (16) The power to make regulations for the purposes of paragraph (e) of the definition of terrorist organisation in this section does not limit the power to make regulations specifying a Lashkar‑e‑Tayyiba organisation for the purposes of paragraph (b) of that definition.
- (17) If:
- (a) an organisation (the listed organisation) is specified in regulations made for the purposes of paragraph (b), (c), (d) or (e) of the definition of terrorist organisation in this section; and
- (b) an individual or an organisation (which may be the listed organisation) makes an application (the de‑listing application) to the Minister for a declaration under subsection (4), (9), (10A) or (10C), as the case requires, in relation to the listed organisation; and
- (c) the de‑listing application is made on the grounds that there is no basis for the Minister to be satisfied that the listed organisation is directly or indirectly engaged in, preparing, planning, assisting in or fostering the doing of a terrorist act (whether or not the terrorist act has occurred or will occur);
the Minister must consider the de‑listing application.
- (18) Subsection (17) does not limit the matters that may be considered by the Minister for the purposes of subsections (4), (9), (10A) and (10C).
102.1A Reviews by Parliamentary Joint Committee on ASIO, ASIS and DSD
Review of listing regulation
- (1) If a regulation made after the commencement of this section specifies an organisation for the purposes of paragraph (b) of the definition of terrorist organisation in section 102.1, the Parliamentary Joint Committee on ASIO, ASIS and DSD may:
- (a) review the regulation as soon as possible after the making of the regulation; and
- (b) report the Committee’s comments and recommendations to each House of the Parliament before the end of the applicable disallowance period for that House.
Review of listing provisions
- (2) The Parliamentary Joint Committee on ASIO, ASIS and DSD has the following functions:
- (a) to review, as soon as possible after the third anniversary of the commencement of this section, the operation, effectiveness and implications of subsections 102.1(2), (2A), (4), (5), (6), (17) and (18) as in force after the commencement of this section;
- (b) to report the Committee’s comments and recommendations to each House of the Parliament and to the Minister.
Review of listing regulation—extension of applicable disallowance period
- (3) If the Committee’s report on a review of a regulation is tabled in a House of the Parliament:
- (a) during the applicable disallowance period for that House; and
- (b) on or after the eighth sitting day of the applicable disallowance period;
then whichever of the following provisions is applicable:
- (c) subsections 48(4), (5) and (5A) and section 48B of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901;
- (d) Part 5 of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003;
have or has effect, in relation to that regulation and that House, as if each period of 15 sitting days referred to in those provisions were extended in accordance with the table:
Extension of applicable disallowance period
Item
- If the Committee’s report is tabled in that House...
- extend the period of 15 sitting days by...
1
- on the fifteenth sitting day of the applicable disallowance period
- 8 sitting days of that House
2
- on the fourteenth sitting day of the applicable disallowance period
- 7 sitting days of that House
3
- on the thirteenth sitting day of the applicable disallowance period
- 6 sitting days of that House
4
- on the twelfth sitting day of the applicable disallowance period
- 5 sitting days of that House
5
- on the eleventh sitting day of the applicable disallowance period
- 4 sitting days of that House
6
- on the tenth sitting day of the applicable disallowance period
- 3 sitting days of that House
7
- on the ninth sitting day of the applicable disallowance period
- 2 sitting days of that House
8
- on the eighth sitting day of the applicable disallowance period
- 1 sitting day of that House
Applicable disallowance period
- (4) For the purposes of the application of this section to a regulation, the applicable disallowance period for a House of the Parliament means the period of 15 sitting days of that House after the regulation, or a copy of the regulation, was laid before that House in accordance with whichever of the following provisions was applicable:
- (a) paragraph 48(1)(c) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901;
- (b) section 38 of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003.
Subdivision B—Offences
102.2 Directing the activities of a terrorist organisation
- (1) A person commits an offence if:
- (a) the person intentionally directs the activities of an organisation; and
- (b) the organisation is a terrorist organisation; and
- (c) the person knows the organisation is a terrorist organisation.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
- (2) A person commits an offence if:
- (a) the person intentionally directs the activities of an organisation; and
- (b) the organisation is a terrorist organisation; and
- (c) the person is reckless as to whether the organisation is a terrorist organisation.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 15 years.
102.3 Membership of a terrorist organisation
- (1) A person commits an offence if:
- (a) the person intentionally is a member of an organisation; and
- (b) the organisation is a terrorist organisation; and
- (c) the person knows the organisation is a terrorist organisation.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 10 years.
- (2) Subsection (1) does not apply if the person proves that he or she took all reasonable steps to cease to be a member of the organisation as soon as practicable after the person knew that the organisation was a terrorist organisation.
Note: A defendant bears a legal burden in relation to the matter in subsection (2) (see section 13.4).
102.4 Recruiting for a terrorist organisation
- (1) A person commits an offence if:
- (a) the person intentionally recruits a person to join, or participate in the activities of, an organisation; and
- (b) the organisation is a terrorist organisation; and
- (c) the first‑mentioned person knows the organisation is a terrorist organisation.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
- (2) A person commits an offence if:
- (a) the person intentionally recruits a person to join, or participate in the activities of, an organisation; and
- (b) the organisation is a terrorist organisation; and
- (c) the first‑mentioned person is reckless as to whether the organisation is a terrorist organisation.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 15 years.
102.5 Training a terrorist organisation or receiving training from a terrorist organisation
- (1) A person commits an offence if:
- (a) the person intentionally provides training to, or intentionally receives training from, an organisation; and
- (b) the organisation is a terrorist organisation; and
- (c) the person is reckless as to whether the organisation is a terrorist organisation.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
- (2) A person commits an offence if:
- (a) the person intentionally provides training to, or intentionally receives training from, an organisation; and
- (b) the organisation is a terrorist organisation that is covered by paragraph (b), (c), (d) or (e) of the definition of terrorist organisation in subsection 102.1(1).
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
- (3) Subject to subsection (4), strict liability applies to paragraph (2)(b).
- (4) Subsection (2) does not apply unless the person is reckless as to the circumstance mentioned in paragraph (2)(b).
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (4) (see subsection 13.3(3)).
102.6 Getting funds to or from a terrorist organisation
- (1) A person commits an offence if:
- (a) the person intentionally receives funds from, or makes funds available to, an organisation (whether directly or indirectly); and
- (b) the organisation is a terrorist organisation; and
- (c) the person knows the organisation is a terrorist organisation.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
- (2) A person commits an offence if:
- (a) the person intentionally receives funds from, or makes funds available to, an organisation (whether directly or indirectly); and
- (b) the organisation is a terrorist organisation; and
- (c) the person is reckless as to whether the organisation is a terrorist organisation.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 15 years.
- (3) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to the person’s receipt of funds from the organisation if the person proves that he or she received the funds solely for the purpose of the provision of:
- (a) legal representation for a person in proceedings relating to this Division; or
- (b) assistance to the organisation for it to comply with a law of the Commonwealth or a State or Territory.
Note: A defendant bears a legal burden in relation to the matter in subsection (3) (see section 13.4).
102.7 Providing support to a terrorist organisation
- (1) A person commits an offence if:
- (a) the person intentionally provides to an organisation support or resources that would help the organisation engage in an activity described in paragraph (a) of the definition of terrorist organisation in this Division; and
- (b) the organisation is a terrorist organisation; and
- (c) the person knows the organisation is a terrorist organisation.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
- (2) A person commits an offence if:
- (a) the person intentionally provides to an organisation support or resources that would help the organisation engage in an activity described in paragraph (a) of the definition of terrorist organisation in this Division; and
- (b) the organisation is a terrorist organisation; and
- (c) the person is reckless as to whether the organisation is a terrorist organisation.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 15 years.
102.8 Associating with terrorist organisations
- (1) A person commits an offence if:
- (a) on 2 or more occasions:
- (i) the person intentionally associates with another person who is a member of, or a person who promotes or directs the activities of, an organisation; and
- (ii) the person knows that the organisation is a terrorist organisation; and
- (iii) the association provides support to the organisation; and
- (iv) the person intends that the support assist the organisation to expand or to continue to exist; and
- (v) the person knows that the other person is a member of, or a person who promotes or directs the activities of, the organisation; and
- (b) the organisation is a terrorist organisation because of paragraph (b), (c), (d) or (e) of the definition of terrorist organisation in this Division (whether or not the organisation is a terrorist organisation because of paragraph (a) of that definition also).
Penalty: Imprisonment for 3 years.
- (2) A person commits an offence if:
- (a) the person has previously been convicted of an offence against subsection (1); and
- (b) the person intentionally associates with another person who is a member of, or a person who promotes or directs the activities of, an organisation; and
- (c) the person knows that the organisation is a terrorist organisation; and
- (d) the association provides support to the organisation; and
- (e) the person intends that the support assist the organisation to expand or to continue to exist; and
- (f) the person knows that the other person is a member of, or a person who promotes or directs the activities of, the organisation; and
- (g) the organisation is a terrorist organisation because of paragraph (b), (c), (d) or (e) of the definition of terrorist organisation in this Division (whether or not the organisation is a terrorist organisation because of paragraph (a) of that definition also).
Penalty: Imprisonment for 3 years.
- (3) Strict liability applies to paragraphs (1)(b) and (2)(g).
- (4) This section does not apply if:
- (a) the association is with a close family member and relates only to a matter that could reasonably be regarded (taking into account the person’s cultural background) as a matter of family or domestic concern; or
- (b) the association is in a place being used for public religious worship and takes place in the course of practising a religion; or
- (c) the association is only for the purpose of providing aid of a humanitarian nature; or
- (d) the association is only for the purpose of providing legal advice or legal representation in connection with:
- (i) criminal proceedings or proceedings related to criminal proceedings (including possible criminal proceedings in the future); or
- (ii) proceedings relating to whether the organisation in question is a terrorist organisation; or
- (iii) a decision made or proposed to be made under Division 3 of Part III of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979, or proceedings relating to such a decision or proposed decision; or
- (iv) a listing or proposed listing under section 15 of the Charter of the United Nations Act 1945 or an application or proposed application to revoke such a listing, or proceedings relating to such a listing or application or proposed listing or application; or
- (v) proceedings conducted by a military commission of the United States of America established under a Military Order of 13 November 2001 made by the President of the United States of America and entitled “Detention, Treatment, and Trial of Certain Non‑Citizens in the War Against Terrorism”; or
- (vi) proceedings for a review of a decision relating to a passport or other travel document or to a failure to issue such a passport or other travel document (including a passport or other travel document that was, or would have been, issued by or on behalf of the government of a foreign country).
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in subsection (4). See subsection 13.3(3).
- (5) This section does not apply unless the person is reckless as to the circumstance mentioned in paragraph (1)(b) and (2)(g) (as the case requires).
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (5). See subsection 13.3(3).
- (6) This section does not apply to the extent (if any) that it would infringe any constitutional doctrine of implied freedom of political communication.
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (6). See subsection 13.3(3).
- (7) A person who is convicted of an offence under subsection (1) in relation to the person’s conduct on 2 or more occasions is not liable to be punished for an offence under subsection (1) for other conduct of the person that takes place:
- (a) at the same time as that conduct; or
- (b) within 7 days before or after any of those occasions.
Subdivision C—General provisions relating to offences
102.9 Extended geographical jurisdiction for offences
Section 15.4 (extended geographical jurisdiction—category D) applies to an offence against this Division.
102.10 Alternative verdicts
- (1) This section applies if, in a prosecution for an offence (the prosecuted offence) against a subsection of a section of this Division, the trier of fact is not satisfied that the defendant is guilty of the offence, but is satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty of an offence (the alternative offence) against another subsection of that section.
- (2) The trier of fact may find the defendant not guilty of the prosecuted offence but guilty of the alternative offence, so long as the defendant has been accorded procedural fairness in relation to that finding of guilt.
Division 103—Financing terrorism
103.1 Financing terrorism
- (1) A person commits an offence if:
- (a) the person provides or collects funds; and
- (b) the person is reckless as to whether the funds will be used to facilitate or engage in a terrorist act.
Penalty: Imprisonment for life.
Note: Intention is the fault element for the conduct described in paragraph (1)(a). See subsection 5.6(1).
- (2) A person commits an offence under subsection (1) even if the terrorist act does not occur.
- (3) Section 15.4 (extended geographical jurisdiction—category D) applies to an offence against subsection (1).
Division 106—Transitional provisions
106.1 Saving—regulations made for the purposes of the definition of terrorist organisation
- (1) If:
- (a) regulations were made before commencement for the purposes of paragraph (c) of the definition of terrorist organisation in subsection 102.1(1), as in force before commencement; and
- (b) the regulations were in force immediately before commencement;
the regulations have effect, after commencement, as if they had been made for the purposes of paragraph (b) of the definition of terrorist organisation in subsection 102.1(1), as in force after commencement.
- (2) In this section, commencement means the commencement of this section.
Part 5.4—Harming Australians
[edit]Division 104—Harming Australians
104.1 Murder of an Australian citizen or a resident of Australia
- (1) A person is guilty of an offence if:
- (a) the person engages in conduct outside Australia; and
- (b) the conduct causes the death of another person; and
- (c) the other person is an Australian citizen or a resident of Australia; and
- (d) the first‑mentioned person intends to cause, or is reckless as to causing, the death of the Australian citizen or resident of Australia or any other person by the conduct.
Penalty: Imprisonment for life.
- (2) Absolute liability applies to paragraph (1)(c).
104.2 Manslaughter of an Australian citizen or a resident of Australia
- (1) A person is guilty of an offence if:
- (a) the person engages in conduct outside Australia; and
- (b) the conduct causes the death of another person; and
- (c) the other person is an Australian citizen or a resident of Australia; and
- (d) the first‑mentioned person intends that the conduct will cause serious harm, or is reckless as to a risk that the conduct will cause serious harm, to the Australian citizen or resident of Australia or any other person.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
- (2) Absolute liability applies to paragraphs (1)(b) and (c).
104.3 Intentionally causing serious harm to an Australian citizen or a resident of Australia
- (1) A person is guilty of an offence if:
- (a) the person engages in conduct outside Australia; and
- (b) the conduct causes serious harm to another person; and
- (c) the other person is an Australian citizen or a resident of Australia; and
- (d) the first‑mentioned person intends to cause serious harm to the Australian citizen or resident of Australia or any other person by the conduct.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 20 years.
- (2) Absolute liability applies to paragraph (1)(c).
104.4 Recklessly causing serious harm to an Australian citizen or a resident of Australia
- (1) A person is guilty of an offence if:
- (a) the person engages in conduct outside Australia; and
- (b) the conduct causes serious harm to another person; and
- (c) the other person is an Australian citizen or a resident of Australia; and
- (d) the first‑mentioned person is reckless as to causing serious harm to the Australian citizen or resident of Australia or any other person by the conduct.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 15 years.
- (2) Absolute liability applies to paragraph (1)(c).
104.5 Saving of other laws
This Division is not intended to exclude or limit the operation of any other law of the Commonwealth or of a State or Territory.
104.6 Bringing proceedings under this Division
- (1) Proceedings for an offence under this Division must not be commenced without the Attorney‑General’s written consent.
- (2) However, a person may be arrested, charged, remanded in custody, or released on bail, in connection with an offence under this Division before the necessary consent has been given.
104.7 Ministerial certificates relating to proceedings
- (1) A Minister who administers one or more of the following Acts:
- (a) the Australian Citizenship Act 1948;
- (b) the Migration Act 1958;
- (c) the Australian Passports Act 2005;
may issue a certificate stating that a person is or was an Australian citizen or a resident of Australia at a particular time.
- (2) In any proceedings, a certificate under this section is prima facie evidence of the matters in the certificate.
104.8 Geographical jurisdiction
Each offence against this Division applies:
- (a) whether or not a result of the conduct constituting the alleged offence occurs in Australia; and
- (b) if the alleged offence is an ancillary offence and the conduct to which the ancillary offence relates occurs outside Australia—whether or not the conduct constituting the ancillary offence occurs in Australia.
104.9 Meaning of causes death or harm
In this Division, a person’s conduct causes death or harm if it substantially contributes to the death or harm.