One Nation Leader Pauline Hanson has formally introduced a bill into the Senate aimed at strengthening Australia’s laws dealing with foreign terrorist fighters, after senators agreed to allow the legislation to proceed.
The Protecting Australians from Foreign Terrorist Fighters Bill 2026 aims to strengthen Australia’s ability to prevent the return of individuals who have engaged in terror-related activities overseas. The push follows the return ISIS “brides” and the possible imminent return of men linked to the terror organisation.
“Labor has failed that test. Foreign terrorist fighters and ISIS-linked individuals should not be waved back into our country while Australians are kept in the dark about secret meetings, quiet understandings, and backroom discussions.
“If the law is too weak to protect the public, then the answer is simple—change the law. That is why One Nation is introducing legislation to put community safety and national security first.”
The passed, the legislation would create a new foreign terrorist fighter exclusion order, strengthen bail laws so dangerous individuals are not easily released into the community, give the minister stronger passport powers, and make it an offence to facilitate the return of a foreign terrorist fighter without written ministerial permission.
“ISIS committed atrocities that shocked the world and those who joined, aided, or celebrated that barbarity should face every possible barrier before they ever come near Australia again,” Hanson said.
“One Nation will not apologise for using every lawful tool available to protect Australian families.’
Bill Sparks Debate
Senator Hanson had sought to fast-track debate on the bill on Aug. 11 by suspending standing orders, arguing the legislation required urgent consideration.
However, the Senate rejected the attempt, meaning the bill could not be debated immediately and will instead proceed through the standard parliamentary committee process.
Opposing the fast-track motion, Greens Senator David Shoebridge argued the proposed laws were unconstitutional and insisted Australia should take responsibility for its citizens by bringing them home to face justice.
Rather than abandoning citizens overseas, Shoebridge advocated for holding offenders accountable through Australian courts or international tribunals.
“I’ve been to northeast Syria, and I’ve spoken to the people who fought and defeated ISIS,” he said.
“I’ve spoken to those brave women fighters who fought and defeated ISIS ... what they want is for this country to support a pathway to justice.
“They want us to support the International Criminal Court. They want us to cooperate with international tribunals, and they want us to find a pathway so that the people who fought for ISIS can actually be held to account.”
The bill remains before the senate.
