The Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Peter Dutton today formally declared Islamic State (IS) a terrorist organisation under the Australian Citizenship Act 2007.
Mr Dutton said the declaration meant dual citizens could have their Australian Citizenship revoked if they are found to be a member of Islamic State.
IS is the first organisation to be declared under the Citizenship Act using provisions passed by the Parliament last year in the Allegiance to Australia Act 2015.
“This declaration strengthens the Government’s ability to protect the Australian community from people who seek to disrupt our way of life,” Mr Dutton said .
“Citizenship is our common bond, giving us reciprocal rights and obligations.
“These new provisions recognise that people who engage in terrorism-related conduct, have severed that bond with their community and denied their allegiance to Australia.”
Mr Dutton said IS presented a clear danger to Australia.
“I am satisfied that Islamic State meets the definition of a terrorist organisation under the Act.
“It is both engaging in acts of terrorism and is opposed to Australia and its interests.”