Australian Anti-Terrorism Act 2005

Part of a series on Terrorism in Australia

Notable attacks

Sydney Yugoslav General Trade and Tourist Agency bombing (1972) Sydney Hilton bombing (1978) Sydney Israeli consulate and Hakoah Club bombings (1982) Turkish consulate bombing (1986) French consulate bombing (1995) Endeavour Hills stabbings (2014) Parramatta shooting (2015)

Notable plots

Sydney terrorism plot (2005) Holsworthy Barracks terror plot (2009)

Counter-terrorism

Legislation Anti-terrorism legislation (2004) Anti-terrorism legislation (2005) Outlawed terror organisations Raids Counter-terrorism raids (2014)

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Part of a series on
Terrorism in Australia

Legislation

Raids

The Anti-Terrorism Act 2005 is a counter-terrorism law passed by the Australian Parliament on 6 December 2005 intended to hamper the activities of any potential terrorists in the country.

The Bill was prepared by the Liberal-National Coalition government in the wake of a series of terrorist attacks overseas, in particular London, with the stated intent of preventing such events from happening in Australia.

Due to the division of powers in Australia's constitution, the Bill needed the support of the states. An outline of the Bill was given in-principle support by the State Premiers.

Prior to its reading in federal Parliament, a confidential draft of the legislation was published online by ACT Chief Minister Jon Stanhope, who stated "Law of this significance made in this haste can't be good law". The Opposition and minor parties expressed concern that a Senate inquiry would not be given enough time to consider the new laws. Prime Minister John Howard rejected the concern and criticised Stanhope, saying that "the premiers and the other chief minister did not deserve to be hijacked in relation to their ability to participate in consultation." The public exposure saw elements of the Bill, including a 'shoot to kill' clause, criticised as excessive. Victorian Premier Steve Bracks noted the 'shoot to kill' clause had not been discussed at the Council of Australian Governments meeting where the draft laws were forged. Community concern arose that Muslims would be unfairly targeted by the new law.

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