Overview

• The INSLM has opened a formal review of the statutory ‘terrorist act’ definition to gauge its relevance against modern lone-actor and small-group threats.
• Australia’s existing definition has underpinned more than 300 federal, state and territory laws without change since 2002, raising questions over proportionality and human rights safeguards.
• ASIO figures cited in the review show that under half of 2024’s potential terrorism matters were religiously motivated and most involved Australian-born males under 18 with no prior extremist ties.
• The issues paper highlights the impact of AI-fuelled algorithms and emerging ideologies like the incel movement in driving grievance-fuelled violence among vulnerable youth.
• Attorney-General Michelle Rowland affirmed that community partnerships, education and early-intervention programs will be strengthened alongside any proposed legal reforms.