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

Yes, Senator Back, I can. Under section 119.3 of the Criminal Code, the foreign minister made it clear an area where she is satisfied that a listed terrorist organisation is engaged in hostile activity in that particular area. The minister's decision is based on the expert advice and recommendation of our national security agencies. While classified intelligence plays a critical role, information supporting the declaration will, to the greatest extent possible, be based on unclassified material to enable it to be made public and provide important transparency about any such decision. Consistent with the requirements of the legislation, the Leader of the Opposition was briefed in relation to the proposed declaration. I take the opportunity, once again, to thank the opposition for its bipartisan support of this important provision.