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

Senator Ludlam, the execution by ASIO of warrants is governed by very strict provisions in the act. It is also, I might say, governed by strict internal protocols and, of course, warrants are sought from the Attorney. As the officer of government who has to authorise these warrants from time to time I can assure you that the material put before the Attorney in order to satisfy the statutory tests is very, very extensive. Now, it is not for me, or for that matter for you, to speculate on the meaning of what is not a defined term in the act. We can each have our own views about the meaning of an ordinary term in the English language. I do not think that is very helpful, frankly. I did not understand it to be in controversy in this debate, even with the Greens, even with your party, Senator,—the manner of the execution of ASIO warrants—which have been an established part of the ASIO Act since, I believe, the first ASIO Act was enacted.