Asia arm of IS on terror list

THE east Asian arm of Islamic State has been relisted as a terrorist organisation three years after it was first added.

Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton said the decision was a reflection of the Australian Government’s “commitment to strong laws for the protection of Australians, both here and overseas”.

“The government reviews the listing of terrorist organisations to respond to changing circumstances and to ensure the effective prosecution of terrorists,” Mr Dutton said.

“Based on advice from our security agencies, I am satisfied this terrorist organisation continues to meet the criteria for listing under the Criminal Code.”

Islamic State East Asia is an Islamic State affiliate with the primary objective of establishing an Islamic State under sharia law in The Philippines.

The group pledged allegiance to Islamic State in December 2015 and is believed to have upwards of 300 members.

While Islamic State East Asia has not threatened Australia, the government believes it is probable Australians could be harmed in future attacks.

The decision comes as antiterror authorities fight more threats than ever before.

In February, ASIO directorgeneral Mike Burgess said the number of terrorism leads being investigated had “doubled since this time last year”.