Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

The monitor will of course be a person of high standing with a sound understanding of Australia’s counterterrorism and national security legislation. The monitor will be appointed by the Governor-General on the Prime Minister’s recommendation in consultation with the Leader of the Opposition. A short list of preferred candidates is currently being actively considered by the Prime Minister and a decision on the appointment will be made in due course. It is expected that it is not that far away. As indicated during the debate on this bill, of course it is a significant appointment. It is an important appointment to oversee national security legislation and it will be made, as I have indicated, in due course by the Prime Minister.

The Independent National Security Legislation Monitor Act which came into effect this year does provide for the establishment of an independent National Security Legislation Monitor. It will be an independent statutory officer who will be required to report findings and recommendations regarding counterterrorism and national security legislation to the Prime Minister each year. The issue of the timing of the appointment has been raised not only by the opposition but also by Senator Ludlam, and we have indicated that it will be dealt with in a short while.