Anthony Chisholm (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Education) Share this | Hansard source

I thank my parliamentary colleagues for their contributions to the debate on the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Modernisation) Bill 2022. Just as the powers of the intelligence and security agencies need to be adapted from time to time to address new security challenges, the powers of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security must also adapt in response to the changing nature and activities of intelligence and security agencies. The Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security Act was enacted in 1986. It was designed for a smaller agency and a different Commonwealth integrity framework. This bill will enhance the inspector-general's oversight of the agencies within its existing jurisdiction, ensuring that Australia's oversight functions are commensurate with the functions and powers of intelligence agencies. I thank my colleagues for their contributions and commend the bill to the Senate.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.