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

The purpose of this bill is to clarify the original intention of the act, in terms of the use of these powers. The existing provisions have been in use since the year 2000, but the amendments clarify the ability of agencies to communicate foreign intelligence information about threats to Australia in the proper performance of their functions. The amendments ensure 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. As I say, this is really about clarifying those powers for ASIO to exercise.