Rex Patrick (SA, Centre Alliance) Share this | Hansard source

I just wanted to ask some general questions in relation to oversight. Please excuse me: I haven't managed to look at all the amendments, because of the time frames involved here, so forgive me if I ask a question that seems a little bit odd. This is just working with the principle that whenever you increase the power of somebody, and particularly a secret organisation, you want to make sure you've got the right checks and balances in place. I have had a briefing on this from the intelligence services, just talking about the bill generally. They suggested that there are no real, new powers for the intelligence agencies in relation to this bill—that they don't gain any additional powers. Can you confirm that for me, please?