Keeping potential terrorists behind bars

The NSW Government will be able to take preventative action – such as continued detention – against any prisoner who poses a terror risk at the end of their prison sentence, irrespective of the offence for which they were imprisoned.

The new laws will be modelled on NSW’s existing post-sentence scheme for high-risk violent and sex offenders.

Safeguards will be put in place to ensure that these extraordinary measures are used appropriately.

The government is also investing $47 million to combat violent extremism in the prison system. Stronger parole provisions create a presumption against parole for anyone with links to terrorism.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the new laws show that the government is taking tough action to keep the community safe.

“NSW has already introduced new laws for investigative detention, provided a presumption against bail and parole for anyone with links to terror, and provided certainty for police officers if they are required to use lethal force against terrorists,” Ms Berejiklian said.