James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

The government acknowledges that the threat of political interference by foreign intelligence services is a problem of the highest order and that it is getting worse. Earlier this year, the Prime Minister initiated a comprehensive review of Australia's espionage and foreign interference laws and the Attorney-General is leading this review. As part of this process, we are considering the adequacy and effectiveness of the espionage offences, relevant international frameworks and whether there are complimentary provisions that would strengthen our agency's ability to investigate and prosecute acts of foreign interference. It would not be appropriate to establish any other inquiry including a royal commission until that review has been completed.