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

Senator Shoebridge, how you choose to characterise this is a matter for you. What I'm saying is that this bill is about clarifying ASIO's powers to put them beyond doubt, and the amendments are intended to update and clarify the operation of key provisions in the T(IA) Act, which relate to the communication, use and recording of foreign intelligence information. It was identified that legislative amendments were necessary to:

… ensure that the Attorney-General can continue to approve the communication and use of foreign intelligence information in a manner that is appropriate to address threats to Australia's national security.

As I say, this is really about clarifying the operation of the bill in line with its original intent.