12. Terrorism Offences (Cth): Criminal Code Part 5.3, Division 101¶
Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), Pt 5.3 (Terrorism), Div 101. “Terrorist act” is defined in s 100.1. Default fault: intention for conduct (s 5.6(1)), recklessness for circumstance (s 5.6(2)). Cat D = Category D extended geographical jurisdiction (s 15.4) — the offence applies whether or not the conduct or result occurs in Australia. SORA and Sentencing Act 1991 (Vic) Category ½ markers do not apply: these are Commonwealth indictable offences, sentenced under Pt IB Crimes Act 1914 (Cth).
Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth) — Part 5.3 (Terrorism), Division 101¶
| Section | Offence | Brief elements | Penalty / SS / SORA |
|---|---|---|---|
| s 101.1 | Engaging in a terrorist act | (1) A engages in an action or threat of action (conduct; default intention, s 5.6(1)); (2) the action/threat is a “terrorist act” (s 100.1) — a circumstance, default recklessness (s 5.6(2)): causes/threatens serious physical harm, death, serious property damage, endangerment of life, serious risk to public health or safety, or serious electronic-system interference; advances a political, religious or ideological cause; and intends to coerce/intimidate a government or the public — and is not s 100.1(3) advocacy, protest, dissent or industrial action (Crown to negate). Lodhi; Karabegovic. | Max life imprisonment — Cth indictable; Category D extended geographical jurisdiction (s 15.4). |
| s 101.2 | Providing or receiving training connected with a terrorist act (knowledge / recklessness limbs — two discrete offences) | (1) A provides or receives training (conduct; default intention); (2) the training is connected with preparation for, the engagement of a person in, or assistance in a terrorist act (s 100.1) — circumstance; Benbrika “connected with” (someone’s purpose to use it in aid of a contemplated act); (3) A knows of the connection (s 101.2(1); s 5.3) OR is reckless as to it (s 101.2(2); s 5.4). s 101.2(3): a terrorist act need not occur and need not be specific. | s 101.2(1) (knowledge): max 25 yrs; s 101.2(2) (recklessness): max 15 yrs — Category D (s 15.4). |
| s 101.4 | Possessing a thing connected with a terrorist act (knowledge / recklessness limbs — two discrete offences) | (1) A possesses a thing (conduct; default intention); (2) the thing is connected with preparation for, the engagement of a person in, or assistance in a terrorist act (s 100.1) — circumstance; Benbrika connection (someone’s purpose to use it in aid of a contemplated act); (3) A knows (s 101.4(1); s 5.3) OR is reckless (s 101.4(2); s 5.4). Statutory exception s 101.4(5): possession not intended to facilitate — accused bears evidential burden (s 13.3(3)). s 101.4(3): act need not occur or be specific. | s 101.4(1) (knowledge): max 15 yrs; s 101.4(2) (recklessness): max 10 yrs — Category D (s 15.4). |
| s 101.5 | Collecting or making a document likely to facilitate a terrorist act (knowledge / recklessness limbs — two discrete offences) | (1) A collects or makes a document (conduct; default intention); (2) the document is connected with preparation for, the engagement of a person in, or assistance in a terrorist act (s 100.1) — circumstance; Khazaal: “connected with” bears its plain English meaning; (3) A knows (s 101.5(1)) OR is reckless (s 101.5(2)) as to the connection. Statutory exception s 101.5(5): not intended to facilitate — evidential burden (Khazaal). s 101.5(3): act need not occur or be specific. | s 101.5(1) (knowledge): max 15 yrs; s 101.5(2) (recklessness): max 10 yrs — Category D (s 15.4). |
| s 101.6 | Other acts done in preparation for, or planning, a terrorist act | (1) A does any act (conduct; default intention, s 5.6(1)); (2) the act is done in preparation for, or planning, a terrorist act (s 100.1) — fault: intention. Broadly drafted (“any act”); no specific target, date or method need be particularised. s 101.6(2): act need not occur or be specific. Lodhi. | Max life imprisonment — Cth indictable; Category D extended geographical jurisdiction (s 15.4). |
Scope: this list covers Division 101 (Pt 5.3) — the offences actually written up in the source notes. The notes’ header foreshadows a wider terrorism / national-security category (Div 102 terrorist organisations; Div 103 financing of terrorism; Pt 5.5 foreign incursions; Divs 80/82/83 treason, sabotage and mutiny; Divs 91–92 espionage and foreign interference; Pt 5.4 harming Australians; Div 72 explosive/lethal devices; the Terrorism (Community Protection) Act 2003 (Vic); and ancillary Cth statutes), none of which is yet drafted in these notes.
The source notes address ss 101.1, 101.2, 101.4, 101.5 and 101.6; s 101.3 is not covered.
5 offence provisions; 8 chargeable offences counting the knowledge and recklessness limbs of ss 101.2, 101.4 and 101.5 separately.