The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security tabled a report by statement endorsing the relisting of Islamic State, Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province as terrorist organisations under Division 102 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 13 September 2023

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security today tabled a report by statement endorsing the relisting of Islamic State, Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) as terrorist organisations under Division 102 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Criminal Code). This report concludes the Committee’s review of the 2023 relisting of three organisations as terrorist organisations under the Criminal Code. All three organisations have been previously listed as terrorist organisations under the Criminal Code. Their relisting for a further three-year period ensures the ongoing application of offences under the Criminal Code relating to membership of, support for, or association with the organisations. Islamic State, Boko Haram and ISWAP all seek to promote sectarian violence and terrorist attacks in support of their extremist cause. Since these organisations were last listed all have committed and promoted the undertaking of terrorist acts which have caused widespread death and injury to civilians, government officials and military personnel. Chair of the Committee, Mr Peter Khalil MP said, ‘Islamic State, ISWAP and Boko Haram all continue to commit violent terrorist attacks causing death and injury. Having reviewed the available evidence, the Committee has no hesitation endorsing the relisting of them as terrorist organisations under Australia’s criminal law.’ Further information on the Committee’s review and report by statement can be found on the PJCIS website. Media inquiries Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security commenced a review of the relisting of Islamic State, Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province as terrorist organisations under Division 102 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 26 July 2023

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security today commenced a review of the relisting of Islamic State, Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province as terrorist organisations under Division 102 of the Criminal Code Act 1995. The Australian Government first listed Islamic State in 2005, while Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province have been listed under different names since 2014. The three organisations have been re-listed as terrorist organisations for a further three-year period commencing on 1 July 2023. The relisting triggers the ongoing application of a number of offences under the Criminal Code which relate to membership of, support for, or association with the organisations. All three organisations are religiously motivated violent extremist groups which pursue an extreme interpretation of Sunni Islam. Of these groups, Islamic State (IS) has the largest global footprint, and since it was last listed by the Australian Government IS has continued to undertake terrorist attacks in Syria, Iran, Israel, Iraq and Austria. Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province both operate primarily in Nigeria, and have reputations for adherence to an extremist ideology that promotes sectarian violence. Since they were last listed both groups have undertaken attacks against civilians and government officials. Under s 102.1A of the Criminal Code, the Committee may review listings of terrorist organisations and report its findings to each House of the Parliament within the 15 sitting day disallowance period for the regulations. Members of the public are welcome to make submissions to this review. Submissions are requested by Friday 11 August 2023. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.