Sarah Henderson (Victoria, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Education) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to speak briefly on the Australian Postal Corporation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024. We understand the purpose is to strengthen security arrangements and the streamlining of processes around the handing of incoming mail. It's about helping Australia Post, Border Force, customs and various police and other agencies with the important work that they do. We understand that this is important.

Our officials are working to protect Australians in the face of dangerous, suspect or illegal items coming in through the mailing system. Those people watching or listening to this broadcast or reading this in Hansard will fully know that the coalition stands for strong borders and effective action to secure our borders. These are measures which continue the work of our government, when we were in government, and will be supported. The bill would seek to provide greater operational flexibility and certainty around the rules for the opening and inspection of mail. It would expand the list of authorised people who may share information and documents to support officers carrying out official tasks or investigations, and it would strengthen rules enabling Australia Post officials to deal with dangerous items.

The bill also sets out consumer protections around the seizure and destruction of suspect mail, including notifications to the sender and intended recipient. It provides for reasonable compensation, on just terms, as required. Disputes may be pursued in the Federal Court. The government says the measures in the bill have been designed with appropriate privacy safeguards, and the government will be held to account on that. The coalition, in government, took a number of important steps to boost airport security, including the upgrading of security screening equipment. The coalition supports the bill, as it seeks to strengthen security and streamline processes around mail deliveries. We will always stand up for border security, and this legislation gives our officials more tools to keep Australians safe.

Jenny McAllister (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In summing up, I table a correction to the addendum to the replacement explanatory memorandum relating to the Australian Postal Corporation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024.

This bill will strengthen the legislative framework for the screening and inspection of domestic and international mail, to ensure they are fit for purpose for the modern age. It does this through a number of measures. First, the bill ensures that Australia Post and border agencies can more efficiently share relevant information with other Commonwealth, state and territory agencies and authorities, under strict parameters, to assist in the performance of their functions and duties during investigative and regulatory activities. Second, the bill makes technical amendments to clarify the officers and officials of agencies and authorities are permitted to open and examine postal articles where it is authorised under the act and any other laws and where this is necessary to perform their functions or duties to ensure the safety and security of Australians. Third, new ministerial powers will be inserted to futureproof the system against emerging risks, allowing Australia Post and border agencies to adapt their practices as required. These powers will be subject to parliamentary scrutiny. Fourth, the bill makes amendments to better deal with the forfeiture, disposal and destruction of postal articles containing explosive, dangerous and injurious things and to protect the safety of postal workers and customs and biosecurity officers. Finally, the bill makes some minor amendments to simplify existing terminology and legislative process as well as update existing references to state and territory legislation, giving greater certainty to Australia Post employees and customs and biosecurity officers when exercising their legislative powers and functions for mail screening.

Importantly, these measures have been designed with appropriate privacy safeguards and will be subject to the existing strict parameters and reporting obligations in the act. There has also been extensive consultation with Australia Post and relevant agencies throughout the development of the draft bill since 2018, and they have confirmed there is an operational need to modernise the legislation. I thank members and senators for their participation in the debate on this legislation. It will contribute to immediate enhancements to Australia's border protection, biosecurity and national security.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.