Jason Wood (La Trobe, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to thank the Prime Minister and the premiers regarding the updated Intergovernmental Agreement on Australia's National Counter-Terrorism Arrangements reached at COAG and, in particular, the approach to questioning in custody—either under preventive detention or pre-arrest—when it comes to those being arrested for terrorism offences. This is something that I've pursued for so many years, even under the Howard government. It's so difficult for law enforcement when it comes to dealing with those involved in terrorist-related activity. Comparing it with, say, a drug bust, the police always have the luxury of allowing the drugs to pass hands, to those who, in return, exchange money. When it comes to terrorism, law enforcement just does not have that opportunity.

This recent announcement at COAG will ensure police are now on the same level playing field as our counterparts in the United Kingdom, who have suffered so badly at the hands of terrorists. It will ensure—and I'm absolutely positive of this—that there will be more convictions when it comes to those who are arrested for planning terrorist-related offences. It will also ensure that, if someone is in custody under preventive detention or pre-arrest questioning, police can get information to prevent other terrorist attacks. I wholeheartedly congratulate Prime Minister Turnbull for putting this on the agenda—something that is so important for Australian safety.

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