Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act

A vote to support means

• —Reduces terrorist attack casualties by creating physical barriers and security protocols at major public gathering points, protecting hundreds or thousands of people simultaneously
• —Provides clear, consistent security standards across the country rather than relying on voluntary measures, ensuring comprehensive coverage regardless of premises owner resources or commitment
• —Allows authorities to close dangerous security gaps quickly through enforcement powers, rather than waiting for voluntary compliance or relying on public awareness campaigns
• —Protects staff and businesses from liability by establishing baseline legal requirements—operators can demonstrate they met their duty of care if they comply with the act's standards

A vote to oppose means

• —Imposes significant financial and operational burdens on businesses, particularly smaller operators and independent venues, who must fund security upgrades, CCTV systems, barriers, and staff training
• —Restricts public access and creates heavily securitised environments that may feel oppressive or unwelcoming, potentially changing the character of public spaces and reducing their accessibility for people with disabilities or anxiety
• —Places responsibility on premises owners for national security threats that are fundamentally a policing and intelligence matter, potentially letting government avoid investing adequately in counter-terrorism police and surveillance
• —May disproportionately affect certain communities or venues, effectively singling out particular locations or neighbourhoods for heightened security and scrutiny based on perceived terrorism risk