Foreign fighters bill before Senate

A bill to make it a criminal offence to visit terrorist no-go zones will be considered by the Senate.

jihadist kurdish fighters foreign file stock
New measures to make it illegal for Australians to travel to terrorism hot spots will be considered by the Senate.

The foreign fighters bill is the second of the federal government's new counter terrorism measures and allows for jail terms up to five years if people travel to designated no-go zones.

An estimated 60 Australians are believed to be fighting with extremist groups in Iraq and Syria, with at least 100 others offering support at home.

The bill will also provide law enforcement agencies with extra powers to investigate, arrest and prosecute those who advocate terrorism.

Critics want more scrutiny of the bill amid concerns it restricts personal freedom and could impinge on free speech.

A bipartisan parliamentary committee has backed the controversial bill but wants more checks to prevent unintended consequences.

The government hopes the legislation will be passed by the end of the week.


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Foreign fighters bill before Senate | SBS News