Bill

National Security Legislation Amendment (Comprehensive Review and Other Measures No. 3) Bill 2023

passed, as at 2024-05-21. Home Affairs portfolio.

Recorded stages

No divisions recorded. Most questions are decided on the voices; this does not establish that a bill was unopposed.

Written by a model from the explanatory memorandum; not the record, as at 2023-11-30.

This bill implements parts of the government's response to a review of the laws governing Australia's intelligence agencies.

It would change rules for security assessments, protect staff identities, adjust authorisation processes, and increase oversight of vetting.

Agencies would have to tell the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security when a security assessment or clearance decision takes over 12 months.

Expands the definition of 'prescribed administrative action' to include decisions on parole, security guard licences, and firearms licences.
Allows ASIO to make urgent temporary communications to states in certain security situations.
Lets the heads of ASIS, ASD, and ASIO authorise cover employers for staff, with legal protections for those who help.
Consolidates secrecy offences in the IS Act and protects identities from disclosure under the Archives Act.
Allows the Attorney-General's agreement to be given before or after a minister's authorisation for certain intelligence activities.
Requires ASIO to notify the IGIS when finalising a security assessment or clearance decision takes more than 12 months.

National security agencies, their staff, and people involved in security assessments or clearances.

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