Advertisement

Australia moves to ban Nigerian terror group

Australia is cracking down on the Nigerian terror group that kidnapped 200 girls, banning Boko Haram under Australian terrorism laws.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott says the whole world was transfixed and horrified by the group’s hostage-taking of some 200 schoolgirls.

The group is also responsible for the deaths of another 300 people in recent terror attacks.

“The government is taking steps to commence the process of banning Boko Haram as a terrorist organisation,” Mr Abbott told parliament on Wednesday.

In taking such a step, Australia would be acting consistently with international partners, the US, UK, Canada and Nigeria, he said.

Listing a terror group under Australian law makes it illegal to belong to it, to provide funding or any material or other support.

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said Labor was also extremely concerned about the kidnappings.

“It would be every parent’s worse nightmare,” Mr Shorten said.

He promised Labor would do everything it could to assist, including consulting over the decision of whether to list Boko Haram in a “constructive and bipartisan way”.

Stay informed, daily
A FREE subscription to The New Daily arrives every morning and evening.
The New Daily is a trusted source of national news and information and is provided free for all Australians. Read our editorial charter
Copyright © 2024 The New Daily.
All rights reserved.