The Australian eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, will join representatives from ASIO, AFP, and Home Affairs on October 21 to speak at a hearing of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security as it confronts “the nature and drivers of radicalisation” in the country.
“Radicalisation is a complex and evolving challenge, particularly as online environments and new technologies increasingly shape how people communicate, access information and form communities,” said Committee Chair, Senator Raff Ciccone, in a statement.
“This first hearing will provide the Committee with a solid base of evidence, including the current threat environment, the role of online platforms and technologies, and the measures in place to prevent and respond to radicalisation.
“I want to extend an invitation to people who have been personally affected by radicalisation. We recognise that these experiences can be deeply difficult and that coming forward may not be easy. If you feel able to share your experience, please consider contacting the secretariat, who can facilitate you giving evidence in a manner that protects your identity.
“The Committee looks forward to hearing a broad range of perspectives as the inquiry progresses.”
The parliamentary inquiry is investigating how radicalisation is impacting political violence, terrorism, and extremism in Australia, alongside the role played by technology, social media, and encrypted communications.
The inquiry will also look at the grooming and radicalisation of minors through gaming and gaming platforms.
The hearing will take place in Canberra, and submissions can be filed by close of business on October 30.
The hearing will take place against the background of what appears to be a politically motivated attack on a sitting politician, which occurred in the Victorian town of Wangaratta on the afternoon of October 19.
The federal member for Indi, independent Helen Haines, was struck twice by a car outside her electorate office. Haines is reported to be in a critical but stable condition.
ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess issued a statement following the incident, calling on Australians to “consider how you criticise elected officials”.
“I genuinely believe the temperature of our security environment would be several degrees lower if we recommitted to conversing with civility, debating with respect and disagreeing with restraint,” Burgess said.
“We must take these threats seriously, protect those being targeted and defend Australians’ right to share their points of view in a peaceful way.”
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