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

Yes, indeed I can. The purpose of all of Australia's intelligence activities and the operation of its intelligence agencies is to serve Australia's national interests and protect Australian citizens. Can I, by way of illustration, point out to the honourable senator that Australian authorities have disrupted terrorist planning in Australia and thwarted a number of mass-casualty attacks. As a result of their activities, 23 people have been convicted of terrorism offences in Australia in the last four years. Australia's intelligence has also helped to prevent at least four attacks in South-East Asia in the last decade and contributed to the arrest within South-East Asia of over 20 terrorists. The government is confident that the Australian intelligence agencies will act in accordance with the law and always in the service of the national interest.