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

I thank my parliamentary colleagues for their contributions to the debate on the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Amendment Bill 2023. The government is committed to ensuring that the legal framework in relation to the use, recording and communication of foreign intelligence information is fit for purpose and underpinned by robust safeguards and oversight mechanisms. The bill clarifies the ability of agencies to communicate foreign intelligence information about threats to Australia in accordance with the proper performance of their functions and ensures that foreign intelligence information can continue to be communicated and used in a manner that is appropriate to address threats to Australia's national security.

The bill includes a number of critical safeguards to ensure that foreign intelligence information is used and communicated in a controlled and targeted manner. Strong and effective safeguards are an essential part of advancing and protecting Australia's national security interests. Together these measures ensure that Australia's legal framework continues to support the work of national security agencies while also ensuring that these powers are subject to appropriate safeguards.

I anticipate there probably will be some questions about the legislation, including from Senator Shoebridge, but, as I say, the bill does include a number of critical safeguards to ensure that foreign intelligence information is used and communicated in a controlled and targeted manner. The amendments will maintain strong ministerial oversight in addition to the broader safeguards, and the use of these provisions will remain subject to independent oversight by the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security. Again, I thank my colleagues for their contributions.