Murray Watt (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Hansard source

I thank my colleagues for their contributions to the debate on this bill, the National Security Legislation Amendment (Comprehensive Review and Other Measures No. 2) Bill 2023. The government is committed to ensuring that the legal framework governing the national intelligence community is fit for purpose. It's vital the responsibilities and powers of these agencies are underpinned by a rigorous legal framework and strong oversight mechanisms. The national intelligence community is essential in protecting Australia's sovereignty and security. The Australian community trusts our intelligence agencies are operating lawfully, with propriety and consistently with human rights. This great trust is built on an extensive and robust legal framework and reviews of this framework that underpins activities while also providing accountability and assurance.

This bill will continue to progress the important work of the Comprehensive review of the legal framework of the national intelligence community by implementing some of its recommendations, including those that will strengthen Australia's national security legislation. The measures in this bill support implementation and will provide increased assurance to the Australian community that intelligence agencies are operating in accordance with the law.

I thank the Senate, and I table an addendum to the explanatory memorandum relating to this bill. The addendum responds to matters raised by the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security and the Scrutiny of Bills Committee.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.