Australia proposes new terror measures

A new bill set to be proposed to the Australian parliament on Wednesday would create new offences for, among other things, traveling to conflict zones to fight or train with "proscribed terrorist groups" and advocating terrorism.

"The suite of reforms in this bill address the most pressing gaps in our counter-terrorism legislative framework," Australian Attorney General George Brandis said in a statement on Tuesday. "Measures are focused on the prevention and disruption of domestic terrorist threats."

Brandis is to introduce the bill to the Australian Senate on Wednesday, where it is expected to pass to the parliamentary committee on intelligence and security for review.

According to Brandis's statement, the bill would create new crimes of "advocating terrorism" and "entering or remaining in a 'declared zone,'" which refers to areas known to contain terror groups.

Provisions would also be in place for limiting "the means of travel for foreign fighting or support for foreign fighters."

Australian intelligence estimates there are around 60 Australians involved in conflicts in Iraq and Syria, with about 100 additional people providing support from Australia.

The aim is to boost Australia's ability to "address the emerging and unique domestic security threats posed by the return of Australians who have participated in foreign conflicts, trained with extremist groups, or people in Australia who provide support to those who may seek to do us harm," Brandis said.

The legislation is being introduced a day after a "known terror suspect" was shot dead by police in Melbourne after he stabbed two officers. Brandis announced his intention to introduce the bill before the suspect was killed.

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