Additional comments by Senator Brian Greig on behalf of the Australian Democrats
1.1
The Australian
Democrats are not convinced that there is a strong need for this legislation,
however we acknowledge the finding of the Australian Law Reform Commission
(ALRC), that there is a need for new legislation to deal specifically and
solely with the protection of classified and sensitive national security
information in court, tribunal and similar proceedings.
1.2
We welcome and
support the constructive recommendations made by the Committee. However, in a number of instances, the
Democrats believe the Committee could have gone further in its
recommendations.
1.3
The Democrats are
disappointed and that the Government has chosen not to address additional
matters raised by the ALRC, including enhanced protection for
whistleblowers. We believe these matters
should be addressed as a matter of priority and that the Bill would benefit
from being amended accordingly.
1.4
The Democrats
will consider moving such amendments when the Bill is debated in the
Senate.
Senator Brian Greig
Australian Democrats
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