Clare O'Neil (Hotham, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Home Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That this bill be now read a second time.

The Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Amendment Bill 2023 (the bill) will clarify the intended operation of certain provisions in the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979. The bill amends sections 65 and 137 of the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act to ensure foreign intelligence information can be appropriately communicated, used and recorded.

Foreign intelligence information plays a critical role in enabling intelligence agencies to perform their functions, including to protect Australia from threats to our national security, foreign relations and national economic wellbeing.

The communication and use of this information is critical to identifying and mitigating those threats. This includes malicious cyberactivity targeting Australian interests, terrorist communications, and foreign intelligence services threatening Australia's interests.

The bill clarifies the intended operation of certain provisions in the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act to ensure that foreign intelligence information can continue to be appropriately communicated. Importantly, the bill does not seek to alter or expand existing information-sharing practices of foreign intelligence information.

Schedule 1 of the bill clarifies the ability of agencies to communicate foreign intelligence information in accordance with the proper performance of their functions. These amendments ensure that the Attorney-General will be able to continue to approve the communication and use of foreign intelligence information.

Schedule 1 of the bill contains a number of safeguards to ensure that foreign intelligence information is used and communicated in an appropriate manner. This includes ensuring that when a person receives foreign intelligence information under subsection 65(1) or 137(1) of the TIA Act, it may only be shared in the proper performance of their functions, duties or powers, and subject to any purposes specified, or conditions imposed, by the Attorney-General.

Use of these provisions will remain subject to independent oversight by the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security.

I commend the bill to the House.

Debate adjourned.