Mark Dreyfus (Isaacs, Australian Labor Party, Cabinet Secretary) Share this | Hansard source

I thank my parliamentary colleagues for their contributions to the debate on the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Modernisation) Bill 2022. Just as the powers of intelligence and security agencies need to be adapted from time to time to address new security challenges, the powers of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security must also adapt in response to the changing nature and activities of intelligence and security agencies.

The Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security Act was enacted in 1986 and was designed for a smaller agency and a different Commonwealth integrity framework. This bill will enhance the inspector-general's oversight of the agencies within its existing jurisdiction—

A division having been called in the House of Representatives—

Sitting suspended from 11:27 to 11: 38

As I was saying, this bill will enhance the inspector-general's oversight of the agencies within its existing jurisdiction, ensuring that Australian oversight functions are commensurate with the functions and powers of the intelligence agencies. Strong and effective oversight mechanisms do not stand in opposition to Australia's national security interests. They are best understood as an essential part of advancing them. To that end, this bill will bolster the ability of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security to provide effective oversight of intelligence agencies within its jurisdiction.

I note that the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security presented its advisory report on this bill to the House on Monday. The government will consider the committee's report and table a government response in due course. I commend the bill to the House.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

Ordered that this bill be reported to the House without amendment.

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