This Supplementary Order Paper amends the Terrorism Suppression (Control Orders) Bill by increasing the maximum duration of control orders.

The Bill as introduced limits the maximum duration for a control order to 6 years, as the first control order can be in place for a maximum of up to 2 years followed by renewal by the court twice, with no extension beyond 6 years. National believes the potential duration of a control order should be longer, to reflect the significant risk that returnees pose to the New Zealand public.

We recommend the control order duration should remain at 2 years; however, renewals of the order by the court should be unlimited. This reflects the seriousness of the situation, as terrorism has no time limit. We note this is at the discretion of the court, and it is not a necessity that the court renew the control order; however, it does keep the option open to the court if there is still a risk present.