Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Minister for Communications) Share this | Hansard source

Put simply, we can't give criminals a place to hide. If we don't act, they will continue to hide on those applications and platforms that they believe protect their activities. That's why the legislation that the government has released for public consultation provides a contemporary framework that will allow law enforcement and national security agencies to work in the increasingly complex digital environment.

The premise of the legislation is not new. An obligation to assist law enforcement and national security investigations currently applies to the domestic communications companies in Australia, and any request for an individual's data will remain subject to warrant processes.

As Senator Molan knows well, we must act, and we must act very shortly. I call on all colleagues in this place to join with the government in supporting these important reforms.