George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Hansard source

I have consulted extensively with many community organisations and in particular with leaders of the Islamic community, and will continue to do so. I want to thank the leaders of the Islamic community in particular for their ongoing partnership and action in addressing this common threat. As a result of those consultations, I have learnt many things and I have appreciated their feedback to the draft legislation. In consequence of that consultation, the government has decided, following advice received from Islamic community leaders, to retain the sunset clauses in relation to preventative detention powers and control orders. They will be rolled over and reviewed for another 10 years but the sunset mechanism will be maintained. As well, this morning, following discussions with the Director-General of ASIO and the Prime Minister, I announced that, although it is not legally necessary to do so, legislation will be amended to include a specific prohibition against torture in any circumstances.