The government's review of the control order regime was spurred by the Lynn Mall incident
The Counter-Terrorism Acts (Designations and Control Orders) Amendment Bill 2023 has passed its third reading with strong support across the House, announced Justice Minister Kiri Allan.
Following the Lynn Mall terror attack, the government sought to review how the control order regime could be strengthened. Allan said that these new laws are in response to making communities safer. Allan noted that with these new laws, the government has further strengthened and clarified counter-terrorism laws, particularly around high-risk individuals.
"The government will continue to respond to the evolving nature of terrorism to ensure our communities are kept safe from these horrific acts," Allan commented in a press release. "The Control Orders Act will be more effective and ensure operational agencies have the right tools to better prevent and respond to terror attacks."
The scheme to designate terrorist entities is used to disrupt and prevent terrorism. This scheme will be strengthened and clarified to prevent further terrorist acts by restricting the assets and activities of identified terrorist entities, including individuals.
The scheme was brought in to stop New Zealanders from providing financial support to overseas terrorist groups following the 11 September attacks.
"As the terrorism landscape has continued to evolve, so too will our laws," Allan said.
Allan claimed that the government would continue to respond to the evolving nature of terrorism to ensure that communities are kept safe from attacks. The government continues to make progress on implementing the recommendations from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the terrorist attack on the Christchurch masjidain, and these changes contribute to that.
"I want to thank all those who had submitted on the Act, and acknowledge the collaborative approach from Parliamentary colleagues. I also want to acknowledge the victims of terrorism in New Zealand and worldwide," Allan said.
She also recognised the victims of terrorism in New Zealand and worldwide, stating that "we owe it to them to do everything we can to protect our communities from terrorism."
