World-leading schemes designed to tackle the early warning signs of radicalisation and violent, extremist behaviour are to be established in Victoria under new laws.
Introducing the Terrorism (Community Protection) Amendment Bill 2021, Attorney-General, Jaclyn Symes said the schemes would be supported by a panel of key Departments and Agencies including Education and Training; Justice and Community Safety; Health; Families, Fairness and Housing; and Victoria Police.
Ms Symes said the Bill would introduce new laws that tackled the root causes of violent extremism and provide pathways to support vulnerable people to move away from radicalisation.
“The Bill will establish a voluntary case management scheme for people who are at risk or radicalising towards violent extremism – connecting them with the services they need and providing them with pathways to reconnect with community support,” Ms Symes said.
“This approach is backed by research which suggests addressing the broader needs of an individual, such as their health, their housing or employment situation, before addressing their extreme views or ideologies can better prevent a potential escalation to terrorist activity,” she said.
“For individuals who cannot be engaged voluntarily and require intervention, the Bill also sets out a Support and Engagement Order (SEO) Scheme.”
Ms Symes said the SEO Scheme allowed the courts to impose conditions on a person identified to be radicalising towards violent extremism to comply with a tailored support and engagement plan.
The Attorney-General said under the Bill, information would be shared more easily between Agencies for case management.
Ms Symes said the reforms delivered on key recommendations of the Expert Panel on Terrorism and Violent Extremism Prevention and Response Powers.
