Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Minister for Communications) Share this | Hansard source

The government acknowledges that encryption is a vital piece of security for every user of the internet. It protects all of us as we go about our lives online, securing banking, shopping, communications and other services. That's why the proposed measures expressly prevent the weakening of encryption or the introduction of back doors. The government is absolutely committed to maintaining the integrity of Australia's personal information, devices and communications.

However, these technologies are also increasingly being used, as I said, by terrorists, foreign agents and serious criminals to conceal their illegal activities. It's imperative that our law enforcement and security agencies can access information to investigate serious crimes and combat threats to Australia's national security. This government will ensure that those agencies have the powers that they need to do their job, because the safety and security of all Australians is our shared collective first priority.