Fast-tracked terror law to tackle ‘Kiwi jihadi’

Police will soon have powers to tackle ‘‘Kiwi jihadi’’ Mark Taylor if he returns to New Zealand.

The Terrorism Suppression (Control Orders) Bill, which will strengthen counter-terrorism laws and support the deradicalisation of extremist New Zealanders returning from overseas, passed its third reading yesterday with support from all three Government parties, meaning it will soon become law.

It gives police the ability to apply to the High Court to impose control orders on those who have been involved in terrorist activities. This includes restricted access to the internet, and prohibiting the returnee from associating with specified people.

Justice Minister Andrew Little said the bill was a carefully targeted response to manage the risk posed by a small number of New Zealanders who had engaged in terrorism-related activities while overseas.

‘‘The bill has been developed as an urgent response to developments in Syria, but it applies to any terrorismrelated activity conducted by New Zealanders overseas, including by Right-wing extremists and white supremacists.’’

It was designed in a way that was consistent with New Zealand’s human rights laws, he said.

It is understood that MPs were told the law needed to be passed quickly because there was a high chance that returnees could come back before Christmas.

The review of the Terrorism Act would continue and a comprehensive range of proposals would be brought back to Parliament next year, Little said.

A new terror law will allow police to lock up people like Mark Taylor on his return to New Zealand.