Lidia Thorpe (Victoria, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to speak on the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor Amendment Bill 2021. The Australian Greens will be supporting this bill with the amendments that have been circulated, and I thank Senator Patrick for those amendments. The Independent National Security Legislation Monitor, the INSLM, is responsible for independently reviewing the operation, effectiveness and implications of national security and counterterrorism laws. This position is absolutely critical, because this parliament has passed well over 70 counterterrorism laws in the last two decades, and often they have never been used. The INSLM is the body responsible for considering whether counterterrorism and intelligence laws contain appropriate protections for individual rights, remain proportionate to terrorism or national security threats and remain necessary. It's important that the INSLM continue to have access to all relevant materials, regardless of national security classification, and that they can continue to compel answers to questions and hold public and private hearings.

I'm glad that this bill is being amended by the government to provide that the INSLM is now a full-time position, as opposed to it being a part-time position beforehand. It is quite surprising that, regardless of how much intelligence and counterterrorism legislation this parliament has passed, the position of the INSLM was a part-time appointment. I'm glad to see this change in this bill—a case of better late than never, but at least it's happening. The Australian Greens are also heartened that there are clearer reporting requirements in this bill and the amendments, particularly the requirement for the Attorney-General to provide government responses to INSLM annual reports and to table them in parliament.

In conclusion, the Australian Greens will be supporting this bill and the amendments. It's critical that all oversight bodies and mechanisms are given the resources they need to undertake their work. The work of the INSLM is absolutely critical. Let's hope that the government actually listens to the recommendations of the INSLM, because that's going to be the real test.