- Tony Burke MP, Minister for Home Affairs
- The Hon Michelle Rowland MP, Attorney-General
Today the Australian Government has listed the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a state sponsor of terrorism.
The Government committed to taking this step following ASIO's assessment that the IRGC had orchestrated attacks against Australia's Jewish Community - on the Lewis' Continental Kitchen in Sydney in October 2024 and the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne in December 2024.
These cowardly attacks on Australian soil were designed to undermine and sow division in our multicultural society, by targeting Jewish Australians to inflict harm and stoke fear.
The Australian Government responded by passing the Criminal Code Amendment (State Sponsors of Terrorism) Act 2025, which creates a new framework allowing the Government to respond to state-sponsored terrorism.
The IRGC is the first listing of a state sponsor of terrorism under this new framework. The Minister for Home Affairs was satisfied that the IRGC met the criteria for listing as a state sponsor of terrorism under Division 110 of the Criminal Code.
The Minister's decision was based on advice from Australian Government intelligence, security and policy agencies.
Listing the IRGC is an important deterrent and disruption to terrorist activity, and puts members of the public on notice that the IRGC is a state sponsor of terrorism under Australian law, and certain dealings with them are now criminal offences.
Under Part 5.3A of the Criminal Code, it is an offence to direct the activities of, be a member of, associate with members of, recruit for, train with, get funds to, from or for, or provide support to, a state sponsor of terrorism. These offences are punishable by penalties of up to 25 years imprisonment.
This listing is a reminder that terrorist activity does not stop at our borders. The Australian Government continues to work closely with international partners to combat terrorism and violent extremism globally.
The public can provide valuable information to assist security and law enforcement agencies identify potential threats and prevent them from developing. If it doesn't add up, speak up, by calling the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400.
For more information on Australia's counter-terrorism efforts please visit the Australian National Security website.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:
"Iran's attacks were unprecedented and dangerous acts of aggression orchestrated by a foreign nation on Australian soil, which is why we are listing the IRCG as a state sponsor of terrorism.
"It has no place in Australia.
"The Albanese Government has taken stronger action on Iran than any previous Australian government and will continue to work to keep Australians safe."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Home Affairs, Tony Burke MP:
"Listing of the IRGC is in direct response to the despicable actions of the Iranian Government, and further empowers our police, security, and intelligence agencies to stamp out hatred and violence.
"The Australian Government is committed to keeping Australians safe and restricting the operation of extremists in our country, no matter their place of origin.
"All Australians deserve to feel safe, welcome and at home; it is this view that underpinned the legislative changes which have enabled the listing of the IRGC. The Australian Government will continue to pursue all avenues to combat bigotry including antisemitism."
Quotes attributable to Attorney-General, Hon Michelle Rowland MP:
"The Government is committed to ensuring our counter-terrorism laws are robust and as effective as possible.
"That's why we acted swiftly and decisively to pass legislation to enable the listing of foreign state entities as state sponsors of terrorism.
"These reforms make it more difficult, more risky, and more costly for malicious foreign actors to seek to cause Australia and our community harm."