The upper house has approved the Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Bill, incorporating a significant amendment from the Greens. This change prohibits individuals who have been under investigation for terror-related offenses, as well as those living with them, from certain activities.

The revised legislation has introduced a contentious measure that restricts protests during a terrorism declaration. This provision grants the NSW Police Commissioner, Mal Lanyon, the authority to prolong an initial declaration from 14 days to as long as three months.

Already, the bill faces a constitutional challenge in the High Court, with concerns about its potential repercussions on civil liberties.

Nevertheless, Premier Chris Minns expressed confidence yesterday that the legislation will endure the legal scrutiny.

The challenge has been initiated by The Palestine Action Group, Jews Against the Occupation, and the First Nations-led Blak Caucus. These groups have criticized the reforms, labeling them as a threat to democratic principles.

Meanwhile, the NSW Nationals and the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers parties also opposed the bill in parliament due to the firearm reforms, while farmers groups have also condemned it.

Minns has said the new laws would “restrict access to high-risk weapons, strengthening licences, storage and oversight regimes in the state”.

It will dovetail with federal gun reform that will include a national buyback scheme.

The bill will now return to the lower house where it will be passed into law.