Review of the declaration of Al-Raqqa Province, Syria

On 17 December 2014, the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security resolved to inquire into and report on the Foreign Affairs Minister's declaration of Al-Raqqa province in Syria.

Section 119.3 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 enables the Foreign Affairs Minister to declare an area in a foreign country in which he or she is satisfied that a listed terrorist organisation is engaging in hostile activity. Under the Act, a person commits an offence if they enter or remain in an declared area, unless they entered or remained in that area solely for legitimate purposes. The Act provides that the Committee may review the Foreign Affairs Minister's declaration within the period in which the declaration may be disallowed by the Parliament: 15 sitting days from the day the declaration is tabled.