The Albanese government has taken a bold step in response to the recent attacks on Australian soil, allegedly orchestrated by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The government has introduced the Criminal Code Amendment (State Sponsors of Terrorism) Bill 2025, a significant piece of legislation with far-reaching implications.
The bill, passed by Parliament, empowers the federal government to officially list the IRGC as a national terror organization. This decision was made after receiving "credible intelligence" indicating that the IRGC was behind at least two anti-Semitic attacks in Australia's major cities. The attacks, which targeted the Lewis' Continental Kitchen in Sydney and the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne, were deemed to have been orchestrated by the IRGC using a "complex web of proxies".
The Albanese government's swift action has been justified by the Attorney-General, Michelle Rowland, who emphasized the government's commitment to the safety and protection of all Australians. She stated, "The first priority of our government is the safety and protection of all Australians, which is why we have acted decisively in passing this vital legislation through the parliament."
This legislation sends a strong message to foreign entities and their supporters who seek to create division, instil fear, and erode social cohesion in Australia. By making it more difficult, risky, and costly for malicious foreign actors to cause harm, the government aims to hold such actors accountable for their actions.
The bill's passage comes on the heels of a high-profile press conference in August, where Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, alongside domestic spy boss Mike Burgess and senior ministers, publicly accused the IRGC of orchestrating the arson attacks. As a result of this accusation, the Prime Minister also expelled Iran's ambassador to Australia, Ahmad Sadeghi, despite the fact that he was not directly accused of involvement. However, Mr. Sadeghi's anti-Semitic social media posts calling for the destruction of Israel have raised concerns and contributed to the tension between the two countries.
The intelligence presented by Mr. Burgess highlights the IRGC's use of a sophisticated network of proxies to carry out the attacks, indicating a well-organized and coordinated effort. As the situation unfolds, further developments are expected, with the government's actions serving as a clear indication of its commitment to national security and the protection of its citizens.
