George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Hansard source

This bill is a significant contribution towards ensuring the future capability of Australia's intelligence agencies. However, it is just a first step in the government's commitment to improving Australia's already strong national security laws. The government is undertaking a comprehensive review of those laws, including the terrorism provisions of the Commonwealth Criminal Code, and it is responding to recent reviews, addressing any gaps in the current legislation to ensure our agencies can respond effectively to emerging security threats.

The government's No. 1 priority is keeping Australians safe and protecting Australians and our interests from those who would do us harm. Importantly, Australians can have confidence that this government will make the changes to national security laws in a measured and considered way. I thank the opposition for its bipartisanship on this issue.