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

The National Security Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 1) 2014 will strengthen the legislative framework governing the activities of the Australian intelligence community by implementing measures including measures to: improve in limited circumstances information sharing between ASIS and ASIO about Australians of security interest overseas; modernise ASIO's warrant-based intelligence collection powers; and strengthen ASIO's ability to conduct covert intelligence operations, always subject to rigorous safeguards. These measures will provide the agencies with a significant boost in their capacity to fight terrorism and other national security threats. Importantly, increased security and safeguards for individual rights do not have to be mutually exclusive. I announced yesterday that the government will appoint a new Independent National Security Legislation Monitor and consider boosting resources for the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security to achieve both of those objectives.