Tim Wilson (Goldstein, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Amendment (Sunsetting of Special Powers Relating to Terrorism Offences) Bill 2019 deals with the fundamental issue of national security and intelligence. We heard in the speech from the shadow Attorney-General a series of allegations against the Minister for Home Affairs, the government, 20,000 bureaucrats and their agencies and about the cheapness and partisanship that sit behind this piece of legislation. He then proceeded to move an amendment that was cheap and partisan and that served no purpose other than to extend the sound of his voice echoing in this chamber for his own enjoyment. It was a sad and tragic effort by the shadow Attorney-General, and it was beneath him to have gotten up and given such an address.

This piece of legislation is substantive. It matters. It goes to the heart of our national security. Don't misunderstand me: I share some of the reservations or concerns about the national security framework that we have in place. The right of citizens to be able to live their lives freely and to make sure there's proper accountability in the exercise of both executive and judicial power is something we should always scrutinise in this parliament. I have always been cautious about many of the parts of our national security legislation and the power the legislation gives our agencies. That won't change. In the end we face constant tests and challenges in this place around balancing liberties and protecting national security.

See this speech in context