Australia has today listed Hamas in its entirety as a terrorist organisation under the Criminal Code.
This listing replaces the previous listing of Hamas’ paramilitary wing, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, which had been listed since 2003. The Government also designates Hamas for the purpose of counter-terrorism financing sanctions.
Minister for Home Affairs Karen Andrews said the protection of Australians was the Government’s top priority.
“The hateful ideologies of terrorist groups and those who support them have no place in Australia. Our strong laws target not only terrorist acts and terrorists, but also the organisations that plan, finance and carry out these abhorrent acts,” Minister Andrews said.
“Listing organisations is an important deterrent for terrorist activity and helps keep Australians safe from terrorism and violent extremism.
“It sends a clear message that the Australian Government condemns the actions of groups that use terrorism to achieve their political, religious or ideological objectives.”
The listing of Hamas follows the recent listing of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, Hurras al-Din and the National Socialist Order, and relisting of Abu Sayyaf Group, al-Qa’ida, al-Qa’ida in the Lands of the Islamic Maghreb and Jemaah Islamiyah.
It also follows the listing of the entirety of Hizballah in December 2021.
Since 2013-14, the Australian Government has allocated more than $130 million to programs that counter violent extremism in Australia. These programs address all forms of violent extremism, including religiously and ideologically motivated violent extremism.
The Government currently lists 28 terrorist organisations under the Criminal Code. Further details regarding the listing of terrorist organisations can be found at www.nationalsecurity.gov.au.
Terrorist organisation offences includes penalties of up to 25 years’ imprisonment.
