Terrorism powers extended to ensure national consistency

The Tasmanian Government will move to extend existing terrorism prevention powers through the Terrorism Legislation Bill 2025 to ensure national consistency with other states and territories.

The Police Powers (Public Safety) Act 2005 and the Terrorism (Preventative Detention) Act 2005 are due to expire on 31 December 2025, having previously been extended for 10 years in 2015.

To ensure continued alignment with each state and territory, it is essential that legislation is passed to extend the operation of these powers in Tasmania.

Attorney-General Guy Barnett said the Government will act swiftly to ensure our authorities continue to have the necessary tools, agreed to at a national level, to detect and prevent terrorist acts.

"In August 2024, Australia’s terror threat was raised from ‘possible’ to ‘probable’, making clear the ongoing need for Tasmania Police to be able to respond effectively to any threat. We must move swiftly to ensure our police officers have the necessary powers to protect Tasmanians from terrorism,” the Attorney-General said.

“We acknowledge that following the recent election and extended caretaker period, there is now a shortened timeframe to pass this critical Bill through the Parliament.

"We are committed to receiving stakeholder feedback on the extension of powers and to this end the Department of Justice will commence public consultation immediately.

"We will release the draft Bill for consultation as soon as possible and continue taking feedback on it throughout September and October.

"This Liberal Government is delivering for Tasmanians - and public safety is front and centre of what we are seeking to uphold."