In a July 2020 court case involving charges of possession of offensive weapons and objectionable material, the High Court's judgment stated that "the absence of an offence of planning or preparing a terrorist act (falling short of existing inchoate offences) could be an Achilles heel."

The Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Christchurch attack recommended that the Government "review all legislation related to the counter-terrorism effort [...] to ensure it is current and enables Public sector agencies to operate effectively prioritising consideration of the creation of precursor terrorism offences".

[2] The bill passed its second reading on 21 September 2021 with support from Labour and National and opposition from ACT, the Greens, and the Māori Party.

ACT expressed concern at the speed at which that the bill was being passed, saying that more time should be allowed to make improvements to it.

ACT justice spokesperson Nicole McKee agreed that the current legislation had some gaps but opposed the fast nature of the bill's passage.