16 Oct 2019

Tough anti-terror law: Govt seeks National's support for bill

From Checkpoint, 5:15 pm on 16 October 2019

The government is introducing new counter-terrorism laws, as it prepares for the potential return of foreign fighters like the so-called 'Bumbling Jihadi'.

Kiwi Mark Taylor, who has fought for IS is being held in jail by Kurdish-led forces in Syria, but it's unclear what may happen to him with new fighting along the border.

The Terrorism Suppression (Control Orders) Bill would allow the High Court to impose a control orders on returning terrorists and could include restrictions like a curfew and electronic monitoring, as well as limiting access to mobile phones and the internet for up to six years.

But with the Greens refusing to support the bill on humanitarian grounds, Justice Minister Andrew Little will have to look to National to pass the bill.

And National says right now, the bill isn't tough enough.

Political reporter Yvette McCullough has more