Catryna Bilyk (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

At the request of Senator Wong, I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes:

(i) the role of the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor is essential in reviewing the operation, effectiveness and implications of Australia's counter terrorism and national security legislation on an ongoing basis, including considering whether Australia's national security laws contain appropriate safeguards for protecting the rights of Australians, and remain necessary and proportionate to any threat of terrorism or threat to national security,

(ii) the Government has announced an intention to reverse its decision, announced earlier in 2014, to abolish the role of the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor; and

(iii) the position of Independent National Security Legislation Monitor has been vacant since 20 April 2014; and

(b) calls on the Attorney-General to immediately take steps to ensure the appointment, as a matter of priority, of a suitably qualified and experienced person to the role of Independent National Security Legislation Monitor.

George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The government does not support this motion, because it is entirely unnecessary. I should remind honourable senators that the history of the INSLM began with the coalition when a proposal, promoted by the former member for Kooyong, Mr Georgiou, and former Victorian Liberal senator, Senator Troeth, was moved as a private member's bill here and in the other place and defeated by the then Labor government. Eventually, the Labor government came to its senses and agreed with the coalition's proposal to create an office of Independent National Security Legislation Monitor—a position that was confirmed by the government this year. The vacant position is currently under consideration by the government, and I have settled upon two names between whom a choice will shortly be made by the Prime Minister. The motion is entirely moot.

Question agreed to.