GEORGINA BEYER (Labour-Wairarapa): I rise to speak in support of the first reading of the Counter-Terrorism Bill. The misguided burblings of the member who just resumed his seat may have confused some members and, indeed, the listening public, so I would like to clarify the purpose of the bill. The bill implements in domestic law the requirement of two international conventions, the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material, and the Convention on the Marking of Plastic Explosives for the Purpose of Detection. As the commentary on the bill states, it does so “by providing for: offences involving the use and movement of unmarked plastic explosives: offences involving the physical protection of nuclear material: extra-territorial jurisdiction, extradition, and mutual assistance requirements in respect of those offences”.

Other matters that the bill will pursue, which people may be interested in, include infecting animals with disease, for which a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment is suggested; contamination of food, crops, water, or other products intended for human consumption, for which a penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment is possible; threatening or falsely communicating information about harm to persons or property; harbouring or concealing terrorists; and dealing with radioactive material. Also, terrorism will be an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes under the Sentencing Act. I hope this information has been helpful to members and listeners.