Law Council President Participates in ‘Defining Terrorism’ Review Launch Event
22 August 2025
On 11 August 2025, Law Council President Juliana Warner participated in a panel discussion to launch the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor’s (INSLM) review of the Commonwealth definition of a ‘terrorist act’. This definition is the gateway to many serious offences, investigative powers and obligations under commonwealth, state and territory law.
Hosted by the National Security College (NSC) at the Australian National University, President Warner was joined in conversation by the INLSM, Jake Blight, and Professor Ben Saul (Challis Chair of International Law, Sydney Law School and UN Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms while Countering Terrorism). The panel was chaired by the Head of the NSC, Professor Rory Medcalf.
Caption (L-R): Professor Rory Medcalf, Head of the NSC, Jake Blight, Independent
National Security Legislation Monitor, Juliana Warner, President, Law Council of Australia, and Professor Ben Saul, Challis Chair of International Law.
The panel discussion focused on Australia’s legal response to terrorism and best practice law reform processes. During the discussion, President Warner promoted the Law Council’s longstanding advocacy for the rule of law and human rights in responding to terrorist threats.
The Attorney-General of Australia, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, also delivered an address to open the event. The Attorney argued that strengthening oversight of national security legislation improves the protection of fundamental rights while bolstering security.
In addition to the Attorney-General, former Ministers, the Chief Justice of the ACT Supreme Court, and statutory office holders and senior departmental representatives were also in attendance.
The launch and panel discussion can be viewed on the NSC YouTube channel.
The Law Council is currently preparing a submission to this review, and has sought views from its constituent bodies to inform this process.
Last Updated on 28/11/2025
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