The Independent National Security Legislation Monitor (INSLM) launched a review to consider whether the legal definition of a ‘terrorist act’ remains fit-for-purpose.
The Australian definition of a ‘terrorist act’ has not changed since it was enacted in 2002 in the wake of the 9/11 attacks in the United States. The type of terrorism threat that Australia faces has changed significantly since that time and the volume and scope of powers and offences connected to the definition has expanded dramatically.
On 11 August, NSC hosted the launch of the review by the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor (INSLM to consider whether the legal definition of a ‘terrorist act’ remains fit-for-purpose.
Attorney-General, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, delivered the keynote address at the launch of the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor’s review into the definition of a ‘terrorist act’, hosted by the ANU National Security College.
This was followed by a panel discussion between the INSLM, Jake Blight, UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights & Counter-Terrorism, Professor Ben Saul, and Law Council President, Juliana Warner. The discussion is chaired by Head of the ANU National Security College, Professor Rory Medcalf AM.
Read the Issues Paper – Review of the definition of a ‘terrorist act’.
For more information about the review see inslm.gov.au.
Event Speakers
The Hon Michelle Rowland MP
The Honourable Michelle Rowland MP was appointed as the Commonwealth Attorney-General in May 2025. She has been the Member for Greenway since 2010, and has previously held the role of Minister for Communications.
Jake Blight
Mr Jake Blight is the current Independent National Security Legislation Monitor. He was appointed for a three-year term by the Governor-General commencing in November 2023. Jake is one of Australia's most experienced national security lawyers.
Professor Ben Saul
Professor Ben Saul is Challis Chair of International Law at the University of Sydney and the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms while Countering Terrorism. He is an elected Fellow of the Australian Academy of Social Sciences.
Juliana Warner
Juliana Warner became a Director of the Law Council of Australia in January 2020, and is President in 2025. She currently serves as Chair of the Law Council’s Anti-Money Laundering and Counterterrorism Financing (AML/CTF) Working Group, and is a member of the Law Council’s Futures Committee and Governance Review Working Group.
Professor Rory Medcalf
Professor Rory Medcalf AM FAIIA has been Head of the National Security College (NSC) at The Australian National University since 2015.