The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) today presented its Annual Report of Committee Activities 2023-2024.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 26 November 2024

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) today presented its Annual Report of Committee Activities 2023-2024. During the reporting period, the Committee continued with a busy program of work. It was largely occupied with reviewing a range of prospective and existing national security legislation, in addition to its ongoing oversight activities. Over the review period the Committee presented 14 reports, held 50 meetings and briefings, including eight public hearings, and worked on a total of 21 inquiries. These included annual reviews of the administration and expenditure of intelligence agencies, examination of bills before Parliament, statutory reviews of existing legislation and reviews of the listing and re-listing of terrorist organisations. Legislative changes which took effect in August 2023 saw the Committee’s membership increase from 11 to 13, and the appointment of two new members. Chair of the Committee, Senator Raff Ciccone, said: ‘This annual report shows that the Committee continues to manage a high workload in a diligent and bipartisan manner to fulfil its important oversight and inquiry functions, and to ensure that national security laws remain appropriate and effective. ‘The Committee thanks all who made contributions to the various inquiries and reviews undertaken during the 2023-2024 financial year’, Senator Ciccone added. Further information on the functions and role of the Committee, a copy of the annual report and all the reports presented by the Committee during the review period, can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Chair Senator Raff Ciccone, via Giulio Di Giorgio 0422 622 760 giulio.digiorgio@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security has today presented its advisory report for its review of the Cyber Security Legislative Package 2024, recommending that the package be urgently passed by the Parliament.

Media release issue date: Monday, 18 November 2024

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has today presented its advisory report for its review of the Cyber Security Legislative Package 2024, recommending that the package be urgently passed by the Parliament.   The legislative package consists of the Cyber Security Bill 2024, the Security of Critical Infrastructure and Other Legislation Amendment (Enhanced Response and Prevention) Bill 2024 and the Intelligence Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Cyber Security) Bill 2024.   The Cyber Security Legislative Package intends to implement seven initiatives under the 2023-2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy, which aims to bring Australia in line with international best practice and to help ensure Australia is on track to become a global leader in cyber security.   The PJCIS received more than 60 submissions and held two public hearings with a range of industry, government and civil society organisations. There was broad support for the bills amongst most contributors to the inquiry, with many having been involved in an extensive consultation process prior to the bills being introduced.   Senator Raff Ciccone, Chair of the PJCIS, said “The Committee recognises that hardening Australia’s cyber resilience and implementing the 2023–2023 Australian Cyber Security Strategy is an urgent priority of the Government and this Parliament.   “In response to matters raised by contributors to the inquiry, the Committee has made a total of 12 recommendations, mostly aimed at ensuring the implementation of the package is as effective as possible and subject to ongoing review”, Senator Ciccone added.   “Noting the extensive consultation process that the Department of Home Affairs has already conducted — and subject to implementation of the recommendations in this report — the Committee supports the urgent passage of the legislative package.”   The full report and further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website.   Media inquiries: Chair Senator Raff Ciccone, via Giulio Di Giorgio 0422 622 760 giulio.digiorgio@aph.gov.au For background information:  Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au   For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue 'Track Committee' button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.  

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) will hold hearings on Thursday and Friday for its inquiry into the Cyber Security Legislative Package 2024. The legislative package consists of the Cyber Security Bill 2024, the Security of Critical Infrastructure and Other Legislation Amendment (Enhanced Response and Prevention) Bill 2024 and the Intelligence Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Cyber Security) Bill 2024.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 30 October 2024

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) will hold hearings on Thursday and Friday for its inquiry into the Cyber Security Legislative Package 2024. The legislative package consists of the Cyber Security Bill 2024, the Security of Critical Infrastructure and Other Legislation Amendment (Enhanced Response and Prevention) Bill 2024 and the Intelligence Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Cyber Security) Bill 2024. The Cyber Security Legislative Package intends to implement seven initiatives under the 2023-2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy, which aims to address legislative gaps to bring Australia in line with international best practice and to help ensure Australia is on track to become a global leader in cyber security. Senator Raff Ciccone, Chair of the PJCIS, said “The Cyber Security Legislative Package seeks to protect Australia’s cyber infrastructure, which is an essential component of Australia’s national security. These hearings will allow the Committee to engage corporate, industry and civil society submitters. In addition, the Committee will hear from government departments who will be tasked with implementing the legislation. “Seeking a broad range of views will allow the Committee to provide balanced advice to the Parliament to help ensure the legislation operates as effectively as possible in response to ever increasing cyber threats”, Senator Ciccone added. Public Hearing Details Thursday, 31 October 2024 10:00AM – 4:45PM (AEDT) Friday, 1 November 2024 9:00AM – 1:00PM (AEDT) Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. A program for the hearing can be found here and the hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live. Media inquiries Chair Senator Raff Ciccone, via Giulio Di Giorgio 0422 622 760 giulio.digiorgio@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced an inquiry into the Cyber Security Legislative Package consisting of the Cyber Security Bill 2024, the Security of Critical Infrastructure and Other Legislation Amendment (Enhanced Response and Prevention) Bill 2024 and the Intelligence Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Cyber Security) Bill 2024.

Media release issue date: Friday, 11 October 2024

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced an inquiry into the Cyber Security Legislative Package consisting of the Cyber Security Bill 2024, the Security of Critical Infrastructure and Other Legislation Amendment (Enhanced Response and Prevention) Bill 2024 and the Intelligence Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Cyber Security) Bill 2024. The Cyber Security Legislative Package intends to implement seven initiatives under the 2023-2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy, which aims to address legislative gaps to bring Australia in line with international best practice and help ensure Australia is on track to become a global leader in cyber security. These measures are intended to address gaps in current legislation to: mandate minimum cyber security standards for smart devices; introduce mandatory ransomware reporting for certain businesses to report ransom payments; introduce ‘limited use’ obligations for the National Cyber Security Coordinator and the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD); and establish a Cyber Incident Review Board. The package also intends to progress and implement reforms to the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018 (SOCI Act). These reforms are intended to: clarify existing obligations in relation to systems holding business critical data; enhance government assistance measures to better manage the impacts of all hazards incidents on critical infrastructure; simplify information sharing across industry and Government; introduce a power for the Government to direct entities to address serious deficiencies within their risk management programs; and align regulation for the security of telecommunications into the SOCI Act. Senator Raff Ciccone, newly elected Chair of the PJCIS, said “Cyber security and protection of critical infrastructure are essential components of Australia’s national security. This review will aim to ensure the new legislative package will operate as effectively and reasonably as possible in response to ever increasing cyber threats. The Committee looks forward to engaging with a range of government, civil society and corporate submitters.” Submissions to the inquiry are invited by Friday 25 October 2024. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Chair Senator Raff Ciccone, via Giulio Di Giorgio 0422 622 760 giulio.digiorgio@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) today presented its Review of the listing of Ansar Allah as a terrorist organisation under the Criminal Code.

Media release issue date: Monday, 12 August 2024

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) today presented its Review of the listing of Ansar Allah as a terrorist organisation under the Criminal Code. Ansar Allah, commonly known as the Houthi movement, is a violent extremist organisation based in Yemen, which has conducted numerous violent attacks against Yemeni government forces and civilians. In addition, Ansar Allah has targeted foreign states and recently attacked numerous foreign-owned vessels passing through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait between the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. The report examines the listing of Ansar Allah as a terrorist organisation under the Criminal Code for the first time. The Committee concluded that it is satisfied that the appropriate process has been followed and that Ansar Allah meets the definition of a terrorist organisation. Specifically, the organisation is directly engaged in preparing, planning assisting in or fostering the doing of a terrorist acts. Chair of the Committee, Mr Peter Khalil MP said, ‘The Committee agrees that in the interest of protecting national and global security, it is appropriate to list Ansar Allah as a terrorist organisation under the Criminal Code.’ Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Steph Briese 0402 640 192 steph.briese@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) today presented its Advisory Report on the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Declared Areas) Bill 2024.

Media release issue date: Monday, 12 August 2024

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) today presented its Advisory Report on the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Declared Areas) Bill 2024. The amendments in the Bill would ensure the continuation of the declared areas offence in section 119.2 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 until 7 September 2027. The provisions are otherwise due to ‘sunset’ on 7 September 2024. Section 119.2 of the Criminal Code makes it an offence—punishable by up to 10 years’ imprisonment—for an Australian citizen, resident or visa-holder to enter or remain in an area of a foreign country that has been ‘declared’ by the Minister for Foreign Affairs under section 119.3 of the Criminal Code. An area may be declared when the Minister is satisfied that a proscribed terrorist organisation is engaging in a hostile activity in that area. Exceptions apply for persons who can demonstrate their presence in the area was solely for a specific ‘legitimate purpose’, such as a bona fide visit to a family member or providing humanitarian aid. While the declared areas provisions have been an element of the Australian Government’s counter-terrorism framework since 2014, only two areas have been declared in that time. No declarations are currently in effect. The Committee recommended that the Bill be passed, while also recommending that the Government consider strengthening certain exceptions and safeguards within the scheme, prior to the next sunsetting of the provisions in 2027. The Committee also recommended that the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor review Division 119 of the Criminal Code, which deals with foreign incursions and recruitment, including the declared areas provisions. Mr Peter Khalil MP, Chair of the PJCIS, said: “The declared areas provisions are an important part of the Australian Government’s counter-terrorism framework. “The ability for the Foreign Minister to declare an area where a listed terrorist organisation is operating enables the Australian Government to respond swiftly to global events and deter Australians from travelling to those locations or joining terrorist activities there”, continued Mr Khalil. “The Committee is satisfied that, since the introduction of the declared areas provisions in 2014, the provisions have been used appropriately and judiciously. The periodic review by this Committee of Australia’s counter-terrorism laws, and implementation of its recommendations for ongoing review and improvement to the regime, should assure Australians that the laws continue to be necessary and proportionate.” Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. The full report and further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Steph Briese 0402 640 192 steph.briese@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (the Committee) has today tabled its Advisory Report on the Crimes and Other Legislation Amendment (Omnibus No. 1) Bill 2024.

Media release issue date: Monday, 12 August 2024

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (the Committee) has today tabled its Advisory Report on the Crimes and Other Legislation Amendment (Omnibus No. 1) Bill 2024. The Bill amends and clarifies the intended operation of various crime-related laws, including: expressly authorising police, when executing search warrants, to seize digital assets, such as cryptocurrency extending the investigative and freezing powers under existing proceeds of crime laws to apply to digital currency exchanges increasing the value of the Commonwealth ‘penalty unit’ from $313 to $330 creating a position of Communications Security Coordinator in the Department of Home Affairs amending information-sharing provisions to ensure state-based oversight bodies for integrity agencies can access material that has been lawfully intercepted by the agencies they oversee. The Committee recommended that the Bill be passed by the Parliament, subject to one technical amendment to ensure that the Bill’s changes in relation to the Parliamentary Inspector of the Corruption and Crime Commission of Western Australia are fully effective. The Committee also made two recommendations for future reforms, including: that the Government consider whether state-based oversight bodies should be given access to stored communications and telecommunications data held by the integrity agencies within their jurisdictions; and amendments to ensure that Ministerial declarations of new entities authorised to access stored communications or telecommunications data are subject to review. Mr Peter Khalil MP, Chair of the PJCIS, said “The Committee welcomes the measures in this Bill, which will help ensure that key law enforcement and security legislation remains effective, fit-for-purpose and subject to appropriate oversight.” “The Committee looks forward to continuing to be engaged in the review of legislation to reform Australia’s electronic surveillance powers.” The full report and further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Steph Briese 0402 640 192 steph.briese@aph.gov.au   For background information Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has today tabled its annual review of six Australian intelligence agencies. The review, covering the 2021-2022 period, found that amidst a changing strategic environment where espionage and foreign interference has overtaken terrorism as Australia’s principal security concern, Australia’s intelligence agencies largely worked in an effective, and increasingly collaborative, manner.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 26 June 2024

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has today tabled its annual review of six Australian intelligence agencies. The review, covering the 2021-2022 period, found that amidst a changing strategic environment where espionage and foreign interference has overtaken terrorism as Australia’s principal security concern, Australia’s intelligence agencies largely worked in an effective, and increasingly collaborative, manner. ‘The Committee found that, on the whole, agencies performed their roles well, particularly considering the challenging operational environment faced by agencies over the reporting period’, said Committee Chair, Mr Peter Khalil MP. The Committee made one recommendation. Noting the rapid pace and ambition of elements of the Australian Signals Directorate’s (ASD) REDSPICE program, the Committee recommended that ASD provide the Committee with an additional update six months after each ASD submission to the review of administration and expenditure, for the duration of the REDSPICE program. Mr Khalil said, ‘The work of Australia’s intelligence agencies is becoming increasingly complex and challenging. ASD’s defence of Australia in the cyber realm will be significantly boosted by the REDSPICE program, which is intended to deliver forward-looking capabilities essential to maintaining Australia's strategic advantage and capability edge over the coming decade and beyond. ‘It is important, given the significant investment involved, that the Committee be kept up to date with the maturity of the REDSPICE program’, added Mr Khalil. The Committee’s report can be found via the Committee’s webpage here Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security – Parliament of Australia (aph.gov.au) Media inquiries Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security has commenced a review of the listing of Ansar Allah as a terrorist organisation under the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Criminal Code).

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 26 June 2024

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security has commenced a review of the listing of Ansar Allah as a terrorist organisation under the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Criminal Code). Ansar Allah, also referred to as the Huthi or Houthi movement, is a Zaydi Shia violent extremist organisation based in Yemen. Since its formation in the early 1990s, Ansar Allah has evolved from a religiously motivated organisation to an organisation with political and military motivations. Ansar Allah has conducted numerous violent terrorist attacks between 2022 and 2024 directed at Yemeni government forces, civilians, foreign states and foreign owned vessels passing through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Ansar Allah’s listing by the Australian Government in May 2024 is the first time it has been designated as a terrorist organisation under the Criminal Code. Listing Ansar Allah as a terrorist organisation triggers the application of a number of offences under the Criminal Code relating to membership of, support for, or association with the organisation. Section 102.1A of the Criminal Code provides that the Committee may review listings of terrorist organisations and report its findings to each house of Parliament within the 15 sitting day disallowance period. Members of the public are invited to make submissions to this review by 12 July 2024. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security will hold a public hearing for its review into the operation, effectiveness and implications of Division 3 of Part III of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 23 May 2024

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) will hold a public hearing for its review into the operation, effectiveness and implications of Division 3 of Part III of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979 on Thursday, 23 May 2024. The laws under review allow the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) to seek a warrant to compel an individual to attend questioning. These powers were originally introduced in 2003 as part of Australia’s counter-terrorism response and were significantly amended in 2020 following a review by the PJCIS. Further amendments have been proposed by ASIO ahead of the hearing, including repealing questioning warrants for minors and making adult questioning warrants available for a wider range of purposes. The Committee has invited government and non-government representatives to its hearing to discuss the operation, effectiveness and implications of the powers. Committee Chair, Mr Peter Khalil MP, said ‘The Committee has received mixed evidence regarding ASIO’s compulsory questioning powers. We look forward to hearing from a range of Government and non-Government witnesses to inform our review and report to Parliament.’ Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. The Committee’s website has a full program for the hearing, and the hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live. Public hearing Thursday, 23 May 2024 9:15 am – 3:00 pm AEST Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra, and via videoconference Media inquiries Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security will hold a public hearing for its review of the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Declared Areas) Bill 2024.

Media release issue date: Monday, 20 May 2024

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security will hold a public hearing for its review of the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Declared Areas) Bill 2024 (Declared Areas Bill) on Monday, 20 May 2024. Counter-terrorism provisions within the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Criminal Code) include the ability for the Minister for Foreign Affairs to ‘declare’ an area, making it a potential offence, punishable by up to 10 years’ imprisonment, for an Australian citizen, resident or visa-holder to enter or remain in the area. The declared areas offence is presently due to sunset in September 2024. The Committee has invited Government and non-government representatives to its hearing to discuss the Declared Areas Bill, which primarily aims to continue the declared areas offence and related provisions in the Criminal Code for a further three years. Committee Chair, Mr Peter Khalil MP, said ‘The Committee has received mixed evidence regarding the declared areas offence. We look forward to hearing from a range of Government and non-Government witnesses to inform our review and report to Parliament.’ Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. The Committee’s website has a full program for the hearing, and the hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live. Public hearing Monday, 20 May 2024 11:30 am – 2:30 pm AEST Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra, and via videoconference Media inquiries Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

At the request of the Attorney-General, the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security has commenced a review of the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Declared Areas) Bill 2024.

Media release issue date: Monday, 15 April 2024

At the request of the Attorney-General, the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review of the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Declared Areas) Bill 2024. The amendments in the Bill would ensure the continuation of the declared areas offence in section 119.2 of the Criminal Code Act 1995. The offence, which is due to sunset on 7 September 2024, is an element of the Australian Government’s efforts to stop Australians becoming foreign fighters. The Bill would extend the offence for another three years, to 7 September 2027, and would also provide that section 119.3—the provision under which the Minister for Foreign Affairs can declare an area for the purpose of the offence in section 119.2—also ceases to have effect on 7 September 2027. Mr Peter Khalil MP, Chair of the PJCIS, said: “The Committee welcomes the referral of the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Declared Areas) Bill 2024. We look forward to receiving submissions from interested parties on the ongoing utility of the declared areas offences, which have been an important part of the Australian Government’s counter-terrorism efforts. “Since the introduction of these offences, periodic review by this Committee has ensured they are subject to ongoing parliamentary scrutiny and that the requirements of national security are constantly balanced against the rights of the individual”, continued Mr Khalil. Submissions to the inquiry are invited by 29 April 2024. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security has commenced a review of the Crimes and Other Legislation Amendment (Omnibus No. 1) Bill 2024.

Media release issue date: Monday, 15 April 2024

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (the Committee) has commenced a review of the Crimes and Other Legislation Amendment (Omnibus No. 1) Bill 2024. The Bill amends and clarifies the intended operation of provisions in various crime-related statutes, including by: expressly authorising police, when executing search warrants issued under the Crimes Act 1914 or Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, to seize digital assets, such as cryptocurrency, including by accessing a person’s digital wallet and transferring its contents amending the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 to extend the investigative and freezing powers that currently apply to financial institutions to also apply in relation to digital currency exchanges increasing the value of the Commonwealth ‘penalty unit’ from $313 to $330 creating a position of Communications Security Coordinator in the Department of Home Affairs, with responsibility for certain telecommunications security functions currently assigned to the Communications Access Coordinator in the Attorney‑General’s Department amending information-sharing provisions in the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979 to enhance the ability of state-based oversight bodies for integrity agencies to receive interception information and interception warrant information from agencies within their jurisdictions. The Committee invites written submissions to the inquiry by 9 May 2024. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information   Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security has tabled the report of its Review of the Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme Act 2018.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 27 March 2024

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) today tabled the report of its review of the Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme Act 2018. The Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme (FITS) was established to provide the public with visibility of the nature, level and extent of foreign influence on Australia’s government and politics. The scheme creates an obligation for people and organisations who undertake certain activities on behalf of a ‘foreign principal’ (a foreign government or political party, or a related entity or individual) to be listed on a public register. During the inquiry, the scheme was criticised for its limited effectiveness in achieving its intended transparency outcomes. The Committee noted with concern the low number of registrations and minimal compliance and enforcement activity during the six years since the scheme was established. Mr Peter Khalil MP, Chair of the PJCIS, said “The Committee was satisfied that the scheme’s objective of shining a light on both legitimate and malign foreign influence activities in our society remains worthwhile and necessary.” “Nevertheless, given the significant flaws in the scheme, the Committee considers that substantial reform is required if the FITS is to meet its original intent and justify the compliance burden and resources required to administer it.” The Committee’s bipartisan report makes 14 recommendations to improve the scheme and its administration, including by amending the current FITS Act to: Update key components of the definition of ‘foreign principal’, including to capture a wider range of company, governance and management structures that can enable a foreign principal to exert control over an entity. Review all current and potential exemptions to the scheme to ensure they are operating as intended and are not being exploited for the purpose of covert malign influence. Insert new enforcement options into the scheme, including the ability for the Secretary of the Department to register a person who is liable to register but has failed to do so. The Committee has also recommended that the Government review the resourcing of the administering department of the FITS to ensure both the level and capacity of its staffing is sufficient. The Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme is distinct from, but sits alongside, the framework for combatting espionage and foreign interference in Australia. The Committee has recommended that Australia’s espionage and foreign interference laws should also be referred to it for review. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information:  Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security tabled its advisory report on the amendments made by the Australian Citizenship Amendment (Citizenship Repudiation) Bill 2023.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 21 March 2024

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) today tabled its Advisory report on the amendments made by the Australian Citizenship Amendment (Citizenship Repudiation) Bill 2023. This report also incorporates reporting on a review of Subdivision C of Division 3 of Part 2 of the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 (citizenship cessation determinations) as required by the Intelligence Services Act 2001, as well as certain amendments circulated in the Senate. The Act amended the Citizenship Act to repeal the invalid provisions and establish a revised citizenship cessation regime. Under the new regime, the Minister can make an application to request that a court exercise its power to make an order to cease a dual citizen’s Australian citizenship, where the person has been convicted of a serious offence or offences. The Act passed into law on 8 December 2023 and at the time of this report, the provisions for a court to impose citizenship cessation as part of a sentence for certain offences had not yet been used. The Committee’s unanimous report supported the Act on the basis that, with the power to cease citizenship sitting with a court, such measures will only be taken in exceptional circumstances and found that that the Act has addressed the primary grounds under which previous provisions regarding citizenship cessation have been found to be unconstitutional. Although the Committee considers the safeguards in the Act for children as generally robust, it recommended that future consideration of amendments should consider if the scheme should continue to operate in relation to persons above 14 and below 18 only in exceptional circumstances, and of any practice issues that may arise about a person’s ability to exercise the rights connected to their citizenship of another country. In addition, the Committee has requested that it be provided with written or oral briefings on the use of the citizenship cessation powers if it considers it necessary. Mr Peter Khalil MP, Chair of the PJCIS, said “These amendments to the Citizenship Act create a comprehensive regime where dual citizens who commit serious offences can expect to lose their citizenship. The Act restores an important power and underlines the Government’s focus on keeping Australians safe via comprehensive and constitutional national security laws.” Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security presented its Advisory Report on the National Security Legislation Amendment (Comprehensive Review and Other Measures No. 3) Bill 2023.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 21 March 2024

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security today presented its Advisory Report on the National Security Legislation Amendment (Comprehensive Review and Other Measures No. 3) Bill 2023. The Bill implements twelve recommendations of the 2020 Comprehensive Review of the Legal Framework of the National Intelligence Community conducted by Mr Dennis Richardson AC (Comprehensive Review). The Bill also makes important amendments to the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979 to assist Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) officers to perform their vital functions safely and effectively. The measures contained within the Bill will support Australia’s national security agencies by strengthening identity protections for their employees, increasing operational flexibility and information sharing, clarifying some authorities and approvals processes to provide greater certainty, and supporting quicker processing of security clearance suitability assessments. The Committee supported these measures and recommended that the Bill be passed, subject to several recommendations. The Committee’s recommendations included that the Government: provide further clarification on the use of cover employment arrangements; strengthen notification to individuals who are subject to ASIO security assessments, including as part of security clearance processes, about their right to make complaints; and enhance transparency about delayed security assessments by including them in ASIO’s annual report. The Committee also recommended the Government consider the need to align amendments to secrecy offences in the Bill with the findings, once published, of the review of secrecy offences legislation being conducted by the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor, Mr Jake Blight. Committee Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP said, “With the passage of this Bill, the Government is delivering on its commitment to implementing the recommendations of the Comprehensive Review to ensure that our national security legislation remains fit-for-purpose.” “Modernisation of our security legislation enables our intelligence agencies to conduct their vital work effectively while also ensuring that appropriate oversight and safeguards are in place”, said Mr Khalil.   The Committee received both public and classified evidence related to the proposed amendments in the Bill and is grateful to those submitters for contributing their expertise to the inquiry. Further information on the inquiry as well as a copy of the report can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) today tabled its Advisory Report on the Defence Amendment (Safeguarding Australia’s Military Secrets) Bill 2023.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 14 March 2024

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) today tabled its Advisory Report on the Defence Amendment (Safeguarding Australia’s Military Secrets) Bill 2023. The Committee’s unanimous report recommended that the Bill pass and made four recommendations for the Government’s consideration including: assessing the existing legislation and procedures and whether they sufficiently cover working or training for paramilitary organisations and militias by former defence personnel providing the Minister for Defence with the ability to determine by legislative instrument classes or categories of non-former Defence members that are not required to apply for an authorisation – for example, in cases where a company has been approved to provide goods under the Defence Export Control (DEC) arrangements assessing how existing legislation and procedures covering former National Intelligence Community officers and their work for foreign governments should be strengthened, and address the need for further legislation The Bill would amend the Defence Act 1903 to regulate the work that certain former defence staff members can perform for or on behalf of a military organisation or government body of a relevant foreign country, without a foreign work authorisation. Mr Peter Khalil MP, Chair of the PJCIS, said “Once passed, this Bill will deal with the potential of former defence staff members revealing sensitive defence information and placing Australia’s national security at risk. In addition it provides our allies with more confidence that securing sensitive military information is at the forefront of the Australian Government’s national security thinking” Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) will hold a public hearing for its Review of post-sentence terrorism orders: Division 105A of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Criminal Code) this week.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 13 March 2024

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) will hold a public hearing for its Review of post-sentence terrorism orders: Division 105A of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Criminal Code) this week. Government and non-government representatives will discuss post-sentence terrorism orders, including continuing detention orders and extended supervision orders. The PJCIS statutory review follows the publication of a Review into Division 105A (and related provisions) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth) by the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor (INSLM), Mr Grant Donaldson, in March 2023. Committee Chair, Mr Peter Khalil MP, said ‘The Committee has received mixed evidence regarding the operation and implications of post-sentence orders. We look forward to hearing about the effectiveness of post-sentence orders – and whether they are necessary, proportionate and operating as intended.’ Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. The Committee’s website has a full program for the hearing, and the hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live. Public hearing Thursday 14 March 2024 10:15 am – 4:15 pm AEST Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra; and via videoconference Media inquiries Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security will hear evidence from a range of expert witnesses for the Review of the Defence Amendment (Safeguarding Australia’s Military Secrets) Bill 2023.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 21 February 2024

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) will hear evidence tomorrow from a range of expert witnesses for the Review of the Defence Amendment (Safeguarding Australia’s Military Secrets) Bill 2023. The Committee will hear from a number of witnesses, including the Australian Industry Group, the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union, and key government agencies: the Department of Defence and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation.  “The Military Secrets Bill will work to regulate the work that certain former defence staff members can perform for or on behalf of a military organisation or government body of a relevant foreign country. The Committee will closely examine the Military Secrets Bill to ensure that it appropriately manages the potential risk of former defence staff members revealing sensitive defence information and placing Australia’s national security at risk,” said PJCIS Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP. “The public hearing will allow the PJCIS to hear from industry groups regarding its potential impacts. The Committee will then test this evidence with the Department of Defence who would administer this legislation and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation,” Mr Khalil said. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Public Hearing Details Thursday, 22 February 2024 10:00AM – 12:15PM (AEDT) Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra A program for the hearing can be found here and the hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live. Media inquiries Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, (02) 6277 2360 or pjcis@aph.gov.au. For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security will hear evidence from a range of expert witnesses for the review of the amendments made by the Australian Citizenship Amendment (Citizenship Repudiation) Bill 2023.

Media release issue date: Friday, 16 February 2024

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) will hear evidence next Monday from a range of expert witnesses for the review of the amendments made by the Australian Citizenship Amendment (Citizenship Repudiation) Bill 2023. The Committee will hear from a range of witnesses, including the Australian Human Rights Commission, the Law Council of Australia and a roundtable of expert academics including Associate Professor Rayner Twaites, Professor George Williams, Professor Kim Rubenstein, the Peter McMullin Centre on Statelessness, and Professor Emerita Helen Irving. The Committee will also hear from key government agencies: the Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Federal Police. PJCIS Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, said “The Citizenship Repudiation Act is an important pillar in Australia’s national security landscape that was swiftly put in place by Parliament following the decisions of the High Court. The Citizenship Repudiation Act repealed and replaced the relevant provisions to now provide that the Minister may make an application to a court to make a citizenship cessation order in certain circumstances, as part of sentencing on conviction of a person for certain serious offences.” “The Committee has received a number of submissions regarding the operation, effectiveness and implications of the recently enacted legislation as well as the proposed Senate amendments. The public hearing will allow the Committee to hear from expert witnesses regarding the implications of the legislation. The PJCIS will then test this evidence with Government officials from the Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Federal Police.” Mr Khalil said. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Public hearing details Monday, 19 February 2024 10.30AM – 3:45PM (AEDT) Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra A program for the hearing can be found here and the hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live. Media inquiries Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, (02) 6277 2360 or pjcis@aph.gov.au. For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has today tabled its Annual Report of Committee Activities 2022-2023.

Media release issue date: Monday, 12 February 2024

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has today tabled its Annual Report of Committee Activities 2022-2023. During the reporting period, the Committee undertook numerous legislative and oversight reviews, working across 14 inquiries; and presented nine reports to the Parliament on a range of complex national security matters. The Committee held 50 meetings and briefings, including seven public hearings and three site visits. The Committee reviewed 13 terrorist listings under the Criminal Code, continued its annual reviews of the administration and expenditure of intelligence agencies, examined four bills before Parliament, and undertook four statutory reviews of existing legislation. Chair of the Committee, Mr Peter Khalil MP, said ‘The operations of the PJCIS are central to ensuring appropriate and effective national security laws, and accountability of the national intelligence community. The Committee’s oversight ensures that our law enforcement and intelligence agencies are best positioned to ensure the safety and security of the Australian public.’ The Committee thanks all who made contributions to the various inquiries and reviews undertaken over the 2022-2023 financial year. Further information on the functions and role of the Committee, a copy of the annual report and all the reports presented by the Committee during the review period, can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

In response to a Senate Resolution the PJCIS has commenced an inquiry into the operation, effectiveness and implications of new provisions in the Australian Citizenship Act 2007, implemented by the Australian Citizenship Amendment (Citizenship Repudiation) Act 2023.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 12 December 2023

In response to a Senate Resolution of 4 December 2023 the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced an inquiry into the operation, effectiveness and implications of new provisions in the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 (Citizenship Act), implemented by the Australian Citizenship Amendment (Citizenship Repudiation) Act 2023 (Citizenship Repudiation Act). The Citizenship Repudiation Act was passed by Parliament on 6 December 2023, following High Court decisions which determined that the citizenship cessation regime previously set out in Subdivision C of Division 3 of Part 2 of the Citizenship Act was unconstitutional. The Citizenship Repudiation Act repealed and replaced the relevant provisions to now provide that the Minister may make an application to a court to make a citizenship cessation order in certain circumstances, as part of sentencing on conviction of a person for certain serious offences. On receiving such an application, the court may, as part of sentencing the person to a period or periods of imprisonment, also order that they cease to be an Australian citizen. At the direction of the Senate, the Committee will also consider amendments proposed in the Senate which did not pass and do not form part of the final Act. These amendments are available on the Committee’s website. Mr Peter Khalil MP, Chair of the PJCIS, said “This review will provide a valuable opportunity to consider the new citizenship repudiation law that needed to be very rapidly put in place by Parliament following the decisions of the High Court. The review provides the opportunity to examine the operation, effectiveness and implications of the new citizenship repudiation regime, as well as amendments that were proposed during the Senate’s consideration of it. “The Committee will carefully consider the new law and looks forward to receiving the views of interested people and organisations on it,” Mr Khalil added. The Committee has combined this review with its current review of Subdivision C of Division 3 of Part 2 of the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 and will report on both reviews together. The Committee requests submissions to the inquiry by Thursday 8 February 2024. Any submissions made to the Committee’s statutory Review of Subdivision C of Division 3 of Part 2 of the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 will be taken as a submission to this inquiry. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

At the request of the Minister for Home Affairs, the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security has commenced a review of the National Security Legislation Amendment (Comprehensive Review and Other Measures No.3) Bill 2023.

Media release issue date: Friday, 8 December 2023

At the request of the Minister for Home Affairs, the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review of the National Security Legislation Amendment (Comprehensive Review and Other Measures No.3) Bill 2023. The Bill would amend several pieces of national security legislation to address twelve recommendations of the 2020 Comprehensive Review of the Legal Framework of the National Intelligence Community (known as the Richardson Review), and to make other amendments identified as necessary by the intelligence community. Key amendments proposed by the Bill seek to: strengthen protections around the identity of employees of the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD), Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) and Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS) improve the ability of ASIO to communicate information, and provide additional protections for individuals communicating certain information increase operational flexibility through updated approval processes for certain intelligence activities clarify provisions relating to the authorisation of certain intelligence activities provide for quicker processing of non-prejudicial security clearance suitability assessments require ASIO to notify the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security when certain security assessments, security clearance decisions, and security clearance suitability assessments have not been made or furnished within 12 months clarify that only the Attorney-General, and not junior ministers, can exercise certain powers relating to ASIO and to telecommunications. Mr Peter Khalil MP, Chair of the PJCIS, said: “The Committee looks forward to receiving the views of interested parties on the reforms proposed by the Bill, which aim to further refine and enhance the legal framework governing Australia’s intelligence agencies.” Submissions to the inquiry are invited by Friday 2 February 2024. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries: Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information:  Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The PJCIS tabled its report by statement on the review of the relisting of Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin and Islamic State Khorasan Province as terrorist organisations under Australia’s Criminal Code.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 6 December 2023

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) today tabled its report by statement on the review of the relisting of Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin and Islamic State Khorasan Province as terrorist organisations under Australia’s Criminal Code. Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) is an al-Qa’ida aligned Salafi-Jihadist organisation based in Mali and active in West Africa. JNIM was first listed as a terrorist organisation in 2020 following the merger of the terrorist organisation al-Murabitun into JNIM. Since its listing in 2020, JNIM has conducted attacks against both foreign and state security forces, striving to build a Salafi-Islamic state. Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) is a violent extremist group that also adheres to Salafi jihadist ideology. Since its relisting in 2020, the organisation has shifted its strategic operation towards urban warfare in Afghanistan and parts of north-west Pakistan, promoting itself as a globally motivated jihadist group committed to establishing a global caliphate. The Committee’s report by statement acknowledges that the appropriate processes have been followed and JNIM and ISKP meet the threshold for listing as terrorist organisations under the Criminal Code. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security presented its Advisory Report on the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Prohibited Hate Symbols and Other Measures) Bill 2023.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 15 November 2023

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) today presented its Advisory Report on the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Prohibited Hate Symbols and Other Measures) Bill 2023. The Bill would amend the Criminal Code Act 1995 to: create offences for publicly displaying prohibited Nazi or Islamic State symbols, and trading in items bearing these symbols create offences for using a carriage service to deal with violent extremist material strengthen the offence of advocating terrorism, and remove the three-year sunsetting of terrorist organisation listings, so that listings would operate until a decision is made to proactively de-list an organisation. The Committee made a number of recommendations to amend the Bill including: removal of the specific reference to the Islamic State flag as a prohibited hate symbol, instead prohibiting symbols associated with all proscribed terrorist organisations; and delaying the entry into force of offences for the trading of items bearing a prohibited symbol for a period of 6-12 months, so that collectors have a window in which to dispose of part or all of their collections if they wish. The Committee concluded that, subject to the amendments it has recommended, the Bill should be passed by the Parliament. PJCIS Chair, Mr Peter Khalil MP, said: “The Committee supports measures that prohibit the public display and trade of symbols that represent ideologies of hatred, violence and racism; which cause significant harm to many Australians. These ideologies are incompatible with Australia’s multicultural and democratic society.” Further information on the inquiry as well as a copy of the report can be obtained from the Committee’s website.           Media inquiries Chair, Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information Please contact the Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security has commenced a review of the relisting of Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin and Islamic State Khorasan Province as terrorist organisations under the Criminal Code Act 1995.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 15 November 2023

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review of the relisting of Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin and Islamic State Khorasan Province as terrorist organisations under the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Criminal Code). Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) is an al-Qa’ida aligned Salafi-Jihadist organisation based in Mali and active in West Africa. JNIM was first listed as a terrorist organisation in 2020 following the merger of the terrorist organisation al-Murabitun into JNIM. Since its listing in 2020, JNIM has conducted attacks against both foreign and state security forces, striving to build a Salafi-Islamic state. Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) is a violent extremist group that also adheres to Salafi jihadist ideology. Since its relisting in 2020, the organisation has shifted its strategic operation towards urban warfare in Afghanistan and parts of north-west Pakistan, promoting itself as a globally motivated jihadist group committed to establishing a global caliphate. The relisting of the two organisations triggers the ongoing application of a number of offences under the Criminal Code relating to membership of, support for, or association with the organisations. Section 102.1A of the Criminal Code provides that the Committee may review listings of terrorist organisations and report its findings to each house of Parliament within the 15 sitting day disallowance period. Members of the public are welcome to make submissions to this review. Submissions should be provided no later than Thursday 23 November 2023. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Chair, Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security presented its Advisory Report on the Counter-Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 19 October 2023

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) today presented its Advisory Report on the Counter-Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023. The Bill would extend the operation of various Australian Federal Police powers relating to terrorism for a further three years to December 2026. This includes the stop, search and seizure powers; control orders; and preventative detention orders. The Bill would also amend some conditions for the use of these powers. The Bill would also extend the operation of Commonwealth secrecy offences for 12 months to December 2024, pending a Government review of secrecy provisions. The Committee recommended the inclusion of further amendments to the Bill proposed by Government, which would introduce a post-entry warrant regime, and following implementation of that recommendation, that the Bill be passed by Parliament. PJCIS Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP said “The Committee supports measures that provide law enforcement the tools they need to protect the community from the threat of terrorism, and looks forward to considering these powers further in its review of Division 105A of the Criminal Code.” Further information on the inquiry as well as a copy of the report can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Chair, Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security tabled a report by statement endorsing the re-listing of Islamic State East Asia as a terrorist organisation under the Criminal Code Act 1995.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 19 October 2023

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security today tabled a report by statement endorsing the re-listing of Islamic State East Asia (ISEA) as a terrorist organisation under the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Criminal Code). ISEA is an officially recognised affiliate of Islamic State, comprising several violent extremist factions, merging under the Islamic State East Asia banner. It has performed terrorist acts against civilians, armed forces, and government officials in the Philippines. ISEA has been previously listed as a terrorist organisation under the Criminal Code. Its relisting for a further three-year period ensures the ongoing application of offences under the Criminal Code relating to membership of, support for, or association with the organisation. The Committee’s report by statement acknowledges that the appropriate processes have been followed, and that the Committee agrees that Islamic State East Asia continues to meet the threshold for listing as a terrorist organisation under the Criminal Code. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security is holding a public hearing on 16 October for its review of the Counter-Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023.

Media release issue date: Friday, 13 October 2023

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) is holding a public hearing on 16 October for its review of the Counter-Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023. The Committee will hear from government and non-government representatives to discuss the Bill’s proposed amendments to the operation of the Australian Federal Police’s counter-terrorism powers under the Crimes Act 1914 and the Criminal Code Act 1995. Those powers relate to: authority to stop, question and search persons and seize items in Commonwealth places, including in ‘prescribed security zones’ (Crimes Act, Part 1AA, Division 3A); the control order regime (Criminal Code Division 104); and the preventative detention order regime (Criminal Code Division 105). PJCIS Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP said, “This Bill implements a number of recommendations from the Committee’s review of police powers in 2021, and the Committee looks forward to hearing a range of views to inform its consideration of the Counter-Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023.” A program for the hearing can be found here and the hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live. Further information on the review can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Public Hearing Details 16 October 2023 8.00 am – 10.30 am ADST Committee Room 2S3, Parliament House, Canberra Media inquiries Chair, Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information Please contact the Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security has commenced an inquiry into the operation, effectiveness and implications of Subdivision C of Division 3 of Part 2 of the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 (Citizenship Act), which provides for citizenship cessation determinations.

Media release issue date: Monday, 18 September 2023

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced an inquiry into the operation, effectiveness and implications of Subdivision C of Division 3 of Part 2 of the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 (Citizenship Act), which provides for citizenship cessation determinations. The PJCIS is undertaking this review three years after amendments were made to the Citizenship Act in 2020 that established the current citizenship cessation regime. Subdivision C of Division 3 of Part 2 of the Citizenship Act empowers the Minister for Home Affairs to make a determination ceasing the citizenship of an Australian for certain conduct, or following conviction for certain serious offences, relating to matters such as terrorism, treason, espionage and foreign incursion. The Subdivision sets out public interest considerations to which the Minister must have regard, and procedural requirements that must be followed, in making any determinations to cease a person’s citizenship. A person’s Australian citizenship may not be ceased if as a result the person would not be a citizen or national of any country. Mr Peter Khalil MP, Chair of the PJCIS, said “This review will provide a valuable opportunity to consider the current security environment and the use by the Australian Government of its citizenship cessation powers. Three years into its operation, the review is an opportunity for the Committee to assure itself that Australia’s citizenship cessation regime is legally robust, fair and proportionate. “The Committee will also be interested in discussing the status of these provisions following consideration by the High Court since they were enacted, notably in the 2022 Alexander case”, Mr Khalil added. The Committee requests submissions to the inquiry by Thursday 8 February 2024. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries: Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information:  Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security has commenced a review of the Defence Amendment (Safeguarding Australia’s Military Secrets) Bill 2023.

Media release issue date: Monday, 18 September 2023

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review of the Defence Amendment (Safeguarding Australia’s Military Secrets) Bill 2023. The Bill would amend the Defence Act 1903 to regulate the work that certain former defence staff members can perform for or on behalf of a military organisation or government body of a relevant foreign country, without a foreign work authorisation. The Bill also regulates the training that Australian citizens and permanent residents may provide to relevant foreign militaries or governments without a foreign work authorisation. The Minister has the power to grant foreign work authorisations and to refuse, cancel, suspend or vary them. ‘Relevant foreign countries’ are any countries not excluded by the Minister in a legislative instrument. Mr Peter Khalil MP, Chair of the PJCIS, said “Reviewing legislation is an important aspect of the PJCIS’ role and the Committee will look at the Military Secrets Bill to ensure that it appropriately deals with the potential of former defence staff members revealing sensitive defence information and placing Australia’s national security at risk.” Submissions are invited by Thursday 16 November 2023. The Committee encourages concise submissions. Correspondence addressing individuals’ security clearance issues will not be accepted as submissions to this inquiry. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries: Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information:  Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security has resolved to postpone its first public hearing for its review of the Intelligence Services Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 scheduled on 15 September 2023.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 14 September 2023

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has resolved to postpone its first public hearing for its review of the Intelligence Services Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 scheduled on 15 September 2023. Hearings for this review will be rescheduled for a later date. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries: Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information:  Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security will hold the first public hearing for its review of the Intelligence Services Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 on 15 September 2023.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 14 September 2023

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) will hold the first public hearing for its review of the Intelligence Services Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 on 15 September 2023. Public hearing 15 September 2023 9.00 am – 1.30 pm AEST Committee Room 1S3, Parliament House, Canberra; and via videoconference The Committee will hear from government representatives, the Commonwealth Ombudsman and academic Dr William Stoltz, to discuss the Bill’s proposed expansion of intelligence oversight arrangements for the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security (IGIS) and the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security. The Committee’s website has a full program for the hearing, and the hearing will be (audio) broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live. Mr Peter Khalil MP, Chair of the PJCIS, said “The Committee looks forward to hearing evidence from witnesses to inform its consideration of the Bill. The Committee is interested in understanding how the proposed provisions of the Bill will enhance oversight and provide assurance to Australians about the effective operation of the National Intelligence Community.” On 22 June 2023 the Attorney-General wrote to the Committee to refer the Intelligence Services Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 for the Committee’s review. The Bill would amend the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security Act 1986 and the Intelligence Services Act 2001, mainly to expand the oversight of the IGIS and the PJCIS to include all of the agencies that comprise Australia’s National Intelligence Community. The Bill would also amend and update various provisions relating to the functions and operation of the PJCIS. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries: Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information:  Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security tabled a report by statement endorsing the relisting of Islamic State, Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province as terrorist organisations under Division 102 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 13 September 2023

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security today tabled a report by statement endorsing the relisting of Islamic State, Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) as terrorist organisations under Division 102 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Criminal Code). This report concludes the Committee’s review of the 2023 relisting of three organisations as terrorist organisations under the Criminal Code. All three organisations have been previously listed as terrorist organisations under the Criminal Code. Their relisting for a further three-year period ensures the ongoing application of offences under the Criminal Code relating to membership of, support for, or association with the organisations. Islamic State, Boko Haram and ISWAP all seek to promote sectarian violence and terrorist attacks in support of their extremist cause. Since these organisations were last listed all have committed and promoted the undertaking of terrorist acts which have caused widespread death and injury to civilians, government officials and military personnel. Chair of the Committee, Mr Peter Khalil MP said, ‘Islamic State, ISWAP and Boko Haram all continue to commit violent terrorist attacks causing death and injury. Having reviewed the available evidence, the Committee has no hesitation endorsing the relisting of them as terrorist organisations under Australia’s criminal law.’ Further information on the Committee’s review and report by statement can be found on the PJCIS website. Media inquiries Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security has commenced a review of the relisting of Islamic State East Asia as a terrorist organisation under the Criminal Code Act 1995.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 13 September 2023

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security has commenced a review of the relisting of Islamic State East Asia (ISEA) as a terrorist organisation under the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Criminal Code). ISEA is a Philippines-based organisation affiliated with Islamic State. The Australian Government has listed ISEA as a terrorist organisation since 2017. Since its last relisting in 2020, ISEA has continued to make terrorist threats and conducted a number of terrorist attacks in the Philippines. Relisting ISEA triggers the ongoing application of a number of offences under the Criminal Code relating to membership of, support for, or association with the organisation. Section 102.1A of the Criminal Code provides that the Committee may review listings of terrorist organisations and report its findings to each house of Parliament within the 15 sitting day disallowance period. Members of the public are welcome to make submissions to this review by Friday, 29 September 2023. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security has endorsed Rules that allow sharing of information between administrators of the Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme and the Foreign Arrangements Scheme.

Media release issue date: Monday, 11 September 2023

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has endorsed Rules that allow sharing of information between administrators of the Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme (FITS) and the Foreign Arrangements Scheme (FAS). Committee Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP today presented to Parliament a report by statement on the Committee’s review of the Rules, made under subsection 53(2) of the Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme Act 2018 (FITS Act). The new Rules authorise the Secretary of the Attorney-General's Department, which administers the FITS, to communicate FITS information to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), who are responsible for the FAS. The Committee agreed that streamlining interoperability between the two schemes was a legitimate and reasonable purpose for sharing FITS information with DFAT for the FAS. The Committee encouraged the Government to consider a legislative amendment to similarly allow sharing information in the other direction, from the FAS to the FITS. The Committee also urged administrators to take whatever measures they can to minimise the compliance burden on entities that may fall within both schemes. The Committee is undertaking a separate review of the FITS Act in its entirety, and looks forward to reporting to Parliament on that in due course. Further information on both inquiries can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries: Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information:  Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review of the Counter-Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 7 September 2023

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review of the Counter-Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023. The Bill was introduced into Parliament by the Attorney-General on 10 August 2023, and he then referred it to the PJCIS for review and report. The Bill would extend the operation of Australian Federal Police (AFP) powers relating to terrorism under the Crimes Act 1914 (Crimes Act) and the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Criminal Code) for a further three years, to December 2026. Those powers relate to: authority to stop, question and search persons and seize items in Commonwealth places, including in ‘prescribed security zones’ (Crimes Act, Part 1AA, Division 3A); the control order regime (Criminal Code Division 104); and the preventative detention order regime (Criminal Code Division 105). The Bill would amend some conditions and requirements for the use of these powers, in response to the recommendations of a review of police powers undertaken by the PJCIS and presented to Parliament in October 2021. The Bill would also extend the operation of Commonwealth secrecy offences under the Criminal Code for 12 months to December 2024, to allow the Government to complete its current review of Commonwealth secrecy provisions and consider any necessary reforms. Mr Peter Khalil MP, Chair of the PJCIS, said “The Australian Federal Police holds significant powers to protect the community against terrorism. This review will allow the Committee to consider the Government’s response to its previous recommendations to strengthen safeguards on those powers; and to ensure that the powers remain necessary and appropriate.” Submissions to the inquiry are invited by Friday 6 October 2023. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries: Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information:  Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced an inquiry into the operation, effectiveness and implications of Division 3 of Part III of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979 (the ASIO Act) which relates to compulsory questioning powers.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 7 September 2023

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced an inquiry into the operation, effectiveness and implications of Division 3 of Part III of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979 (the ASIO Act) which relates to compulsory questioning powers. Division 3 of Part III of the ASIO Act provides for the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) to request that the Attorney-General issue a warrant to require a person to appear before a prescribed authority to give information, or produce a record or other thing, that is, or may be, relevant to intelligence that is important in relation to a questioning matter. Mr Peter Khalil MP, Chair of the PJCIS said “This review will provide a valuable opportunity to consider the effectiveness of questioning warrants in relation to espionage, politically motivated violence and foreign interference, and the continued appropriateness of the current compulsory questioning laws.” The Committee requests submissions to the inquiry by Thursday 1 February 2024. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries: Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information:  Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au. For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) is holding a public hearing on 1 September for its review of the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Prohibited Hate Symbols and Other Measures) Bill 2023.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 31 August 2023

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) is holding a public hearing on 1 September for its review of the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Prohibited Hate Symbols and Other Measures) Bill 2023. Public hearing 1 September 2023 9.00 am – 4.00 pm AEST Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra; and via videoconference The Committee will hear from a range of government and non-government representatives to discuss the bill’s proposed prohibition of displaying and trading in Nazi and Islamic State symbols, as well as other measures in the Bill to strengthen terrorism offences. The Committee’s website has a full program for the hearing, and the hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live. Mr Peter Khalil MP, Chair of the PJCIS, said “The Committee looks forward to hearing a range of views to inform its consideration of the Hate Symbols Bill. We will be particularly interested in hearing about possible unintended consequences and how these might be addressed to ensure that the Bill appropriately deals with violent extremist material.” On 14 June 2023, the Attorney-General wrote to the Committee referring the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Prohibited Hate Symbols and Other Measures) Bill 2023 for the Committee’s review. The Bill would amend the Criminal Code Act 1995 to: create offences for publicly displaying prohibited Nazi or Islamic State symbols, and trading in items bearing these symbols; create offences for using a carriage service to deal with violent extremist material; strengthen the offence of advocating terrorism; and remove the sunsetting of terrorist organisation listings. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries: Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information:  Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

Members of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) have reinforced the strong ties between Australia and New Zealand on intelligence and security issues during a visit to New Zealand on 14 and 15 August.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 15 August 2023

Members of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) have reinforced the strong ties between Australia and New Zealand on intelligence and security issues during a visit to New Zealand on 14 and 15 August. The PJCIS delegation was led by the Committee Chair, Mr Peter Khalil MP, and included  PJCIS members Mr Andrew Hastie MP, Senator James Paterson and Senator Marielle Smith. At the Committee’s invitation, the delegation was joined by the Director-General National Intelligence, Mr Andrew Shearer; and the Director-General of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service, Ms Kerri Hartland. The delegation met with various members of the New Zealand Government and opposition, parliamentary representatives and intelligence leaders, including: Minister for Defence Andrew Little; Opposition Leader Christopher Luxon; Deputy Opposition Leader Nicola Willis; Opposition Spokesperson for Defence and Veterans Tim Van de Molen; the heads of the New Zealand Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB), Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) and National Assessments Bureau (NAB); senior leaders of the NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Defence Secretary Andrew Bridgeman; the Vice chief of the New Zealand Defence Force, Air Vice-Marshal Tony Davies; and representatives from the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. Committee Chair and delegation leader, Mr Khalil, said that the visit focused on enhancing the already strong relationship and coordination between Australia and New Zealand in the Indo-Pacific. Discussions focused on further strengthening collaboration as active partners across the Pacific. ‘The visit follows the release of a series of important national security statements by the New Zealand government. Australia and New Zealand are more closely aligned than ever before on the Indo-Pacific security environment’, Mr Khalil said. Media inquiries: Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information:  Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security has tabled its annual review of six Australian intelligence agencies. The review, covering the 2020-2021 period, found that amidst a changing strategic environment and facing the significant impact of COVID-19, Australia’s intelligence agencies largely worked in an effective, and increasingly collaborative, manner.

Media release issue date: Monday, 31 July 2023

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has today tabled its annual review of six Australian intelligence agencies. The review, covering the 2020-2021 period, found that amidst a changing strategic environment and facing the significant impact of COVID-19, Australia’s intelligence agencies largely worked in an effective, and increasingly collaborative, manner. ‘The Committee found that, on the whole, agencies performed their roles well, particularly considering the challenging operational environment faced over the reporting period’, said Committee Chair, Mr Peter Khalil MP. The Committee made four recommendations. Noting the increasing phenomenon of harmful disinformation during 2020 and 2021, the Committee recommended that the Director-General of Security consider opportunities to report to Australians on the prevalence of disinformation, misinformation and harmful propaganda that threaten Australia’s national security. Two further recommendations focused on improving the sharing of information with the Committee by intelligence agencies as well as the Auditor-General. The remaining recommendation addressed staffing within the National Intelligence Community (NIC), and recommended that the Office of National Intelligence work with the NIC to develop consistent data collection on staff movements, with a focus on attraction and retention of staff to the NIC. Mr Khalil said, ‘The people who work in Australia’s intelligence agencies are our greatest asset. By developing a whole-of-NIC recruitment and retention strategy, Australia will be better positioned to deliver on its intelligence priorities.’ ‘This includes securing a recruitment pipeline through effective security clearance processes as well as maintaining the ‘value-proposition’ agencies offer, to remain market competitive,’ added Mr Khalil. The Committee’s report can be found at the following link. Media inquiries Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review of the Intelligence Services Legislation Amendment Bill 2023.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 26 July 2023

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review of the Intelligence Services Legislation Amendment Bill 2023. On 22 June 2023 the Attorney-General wrote to the Committee to refer the Intelligence Services Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 for the Committee’s review. The Bill would amend the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security Act 1986 and the Intelligence Services Act 2001, mainly to expand the oversight of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security (IGIS) and the PJCIS to include all of the agencies that comprise Australia’s National Intelligence Community. The Bill would add four additional agencies to the jurisdiction of the IGIS and PJCIS: the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC), and the intelligence functions of the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC), the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Department of Home Affairs. The Bill would also amend and update various provisions relating to the functions and operation of the PJCIS. Mr Peter Khalil MP, Chair of the PJCIS said “This review will provide a valuable opportunity to consider how the Committee and Inspector General can continue to provide effective oversight of Australia’s national intelligence community.” Submissions to the inquiry are invited by Thursday 31 August 2023. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review of rules made under subsection 53(2) of the Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme Act 2018 (FITS Act), relating to sharing information obtained under the Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme (FITS).

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 26 July 2023

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review of rules made under subsection 53(2) of the Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme Act 2018 (FITS Act), relating to sharing information obtained under the Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme (FITS). Subsection 53(3) of the FITS Act requires the Committee to review rules made prescribing a new purpose for which information obtained under the FITS may be communicated to prescribed persons; and to report its comments and recommendations to each House of the Parliament before the end of the 15 sitting days’ disallowance period for that House. The new Rules amend the 2018 FITS Rules to authorise the Secretary of the Attorney-General's Department to communicate scheme information to the Minister and Department responsible for the Foreign Arrangements Scheme. The Foreign Arrangements Scheme is administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). It requires State and Territory entities to notify the Minister for Foreign Affairs of pre-existing and prospective arrangements with foreign entities; and allows the Minister to cancel, vary or prevent an arrangement from proceeding if it is inconsistent with Australia's foreign policy or adversely affects Australia's foreign relations. A small number of entities may be within the scope of both the FITS and the Foreign Arrangements Scheme. In such cases, sharing information under the Rules would assist DFAT to administer the Foreign Arrangements Scheme and would improve the interoperability of the two schemes. The rules under review can be found at the following link - Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme Amendment Rules 2023. Submissions to the Committee’s review are invited by Friday 11 August 2023. Further information about making a submission to a parliamentary committee is available here. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee's website. Media inquiries: Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information:  Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security commenced a review of the relisting of Islamic State, Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province as terrorist organisations under Division 102 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 26 July 2023

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security today commenced a review of the relisting of Islamic State, Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province as terrorist organisations under Division 102 of the Criminal Code Act 1995. The Australian Government first listed Islamic State in 2005, while Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province have been listed under different names since 2014. The three organisations have been re-listed as terrorist organisations for a further three-year period commencing on 1 July 2023. The relisting triggers the ongoing application of a number of offences under the Criminal Code which relate to membership of, support for, or association with the organisations. All three organisations are religiously motivated violent extremist groups which pursue an extreme interpretation of Sunni Islam. Of these groups, Islamic State (IS) has the largest global footprint, and since it was last listed by the Australian Government IS has continued to undertake terrorist attacks in Syria, Iran, Israel, Iraq and Austria. Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province both operate primarily in Nigeria, and have reputations for adherence to an extremist ideology that promotes sectarian violence. Since they were last listed both groups have undertaken attacks against civilians and government officials. Under s 102.1A of the Criminal Code, the Committee may review listings of terrorist organisations and report its findings to each House of the Parliament within the 15 sitting day disallowance period for the regulations. Members of the public are welcome to make submissions to this review. Submissions are requested by Friday 11 August 2023. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review of the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Prohibited Hate Symbols and Other Measures) Bill 2023.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 21 June 2023

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review of the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Prohibited Hate Symbols and Other Measures) Bill 2023. On 14 June 2023 the Attorney-General wrote to the Committee referring the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Prohibited Hate Symbols and Other Measures) Bill 2023 for the Committee’s review. The Bill would amend the Criminal Code Act 1995 to: create offences for publicly displaying prohibited Nazi or Islamic State symbols, and trading in items bearing these symbols create offences for using a carriage service to deal with violent extremist material strengthen the offence of advocating terrorism in section 80.2C, and remove the sunsetting requirement for terrorist organisation listings, so that listings would operate until a decision is made to proactively de-list an organisation. Mr Peter Khalil MP, Chair of the PJCIS said “Reviewing legislation is an important aspect of the PJCIS’ role and the Committee will look at the Hate Symbols Bill to ensure that it appropriately deals with violent extremist material, which is used to incite violence and instil fear in the community.” Submissions are invited by Friday 21 July 2023. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) today tabled its advisory report on the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Amendment Bill 2023.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 13 June 2023

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) today tabled its advisory report on the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Amendment Bill 2023. The Committee noted that the security clearance process is designed to ensure that only individuals who are deemed suitable and trustworthy are granted access to sensitive national security information. At the same time, the Committee recognises that the security clearance process must be fair and, to the extent possible, transparent. Individuals who are subject to the process have the right to procedural fairness, including the right to challenge adverse findings and to have their case reviewed by an independent body. The Committee is satisfied with the merits and other review processes proposed by the Bill and the involvement of the IGIS in oversight of the powers and functions exercised under the Bill. The Committee also supported, the inclusion of the new Quality Assurance Office within the Office of National Intelligence and agrees with ONI that this should ‘drive the uplift of the mandatory insider threat capability across government agencies that sponsor TOP SECRET-Privileged Access security clearances. The Committee made one recommendation that the Explanatory Memorandum for the Bill be amended, or a supplementary Explanatory Memorandum presented, specifying that, notwithstanding the Bill’s authority to delegate functions and powers to ASIO affiliates, human sources or agents will not be used to undertake security vetting. Chair of the Committee Mr Peter Khalil MP said “the Committee reviewed this Bill with a view to ensuring that the security clearance process is robust, fair, and effective. The Committee is satisfied that the Bill protects Australia's national security interests, while also upholding the rights and privacy of individuals.” Further information on the inquiry as well as a copy of the report can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review of amendments made to the Migration Act in 2021, relating to protection visas and international law.

Media release issue date: Monday, 15 May 2023

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review of amendments made to the Migration Act in 2021, relating to protection visas and international law. Schedule 1 of the Migration Amendment (Clarifying International Obligations for Removal) Act 2021 (CIOR Act) amended the Migration Act 1958 (Migration Act) to clarify that the Migration Act does not authorise the removal of a person who is found to attract Australia’s protection obligations under international law; and to require that Australia’s protection obligations be considered before a decision is made to grant or refuse a protection visa. The amendments followed two Federal Court decisions that altered the intended effect of the relevant provisions in the Migration Act, finding that they effectively overrode Australia’s international obligations not to return a person to a country where they face persecution or a real risk of significant harm (known as ‘non-refoulement’ obligations). The PJCIS is required by law to review the operation, effectiveness and implications of the amendments made by the CIOR Act, two years after their commencement. Additional information on the Committee’s review may be found here. The Committee requests submissions to this review by Friday, 23 June 2023. Submissions should be prepared solely for this inquiry and should not be published prior to being accepted by the Committee. Further information about making a submission to a committee inquiry can be found at this link. Media inquiries Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review of the operation, effectiveness and implications of post-sentence terrorism orders, provided for in Division 105A of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Criminal Code).

Media release issue date: Monday, 15 May 2023

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review of the operation, effectiveness and implications of post-sentence terrorism orders, provided for in Division 105A of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Criminal Code). Division 105A provides for two types of post-sentence orders: continuing detention orders (CDOs) and extended supervision orders (ESOs). These may be made in respect to individuals currently serving a sentence for a serious terrorism offence, when a Court considers they pose an ‘unacceptable’ risk to society of committing another serious terrorism offence if they are released into the community without restriction. The Committee’s review is required by law, and follows the publication of a Review into Division 105A (and related provisions) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth) by the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor (INSLM), Mr Grant Donaldson. Chair of the Committee, Mr Peter Khalil MP, said that ‘The PJCIS has taken note of Mr Donaldson’s review, and the Committee is also conscious that post-sentence orders are likely to be increasingly considered over the next five years, with 20 of 54 individuals currently in detention for serious terrorism offences due to be released in that period. This makes both the INSLM’s and the Committee’s reviews particularly timely. Both reviews will contribute to necessary consideration by the Parliament and Government of the continued effectiveness and appropriateness of the post-sentence orders regime.’ Additional information on the Committee’s review is available here. The Committee requests submissions to this review by Friday 23 June 2023. Submissions should be prepared solely for this inquiry and should not be published prior to being accepted by the Committee. Further information about making a submission to a committee inquiry can be found at the following link. Media inquiries Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) presented its Advisory Report on the National Security Legislation Amendment (Comprehensive Review and Other Measures No. 2) Bill 2023.

Media release issue date: Friday, 12 May 2023

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) today presented its Advisory Report on the National Security Legislation Amendment (Comprehensive Review and Other Measures No. 2) Bill 2023. The Bill seeks to implement ten recommendations of the 2020 Comprehensive Review of the Legal Framework of the National Intelligence Community (known as the Richardson Review), and also makes two amendments to the Intelligence Services Act 2001. The Committee recommended that the Bill be passed, subject to the implementation of one Committee recommendation, about clarifying the availability to ASIO officers of defences for certain national infrastructure related offences. The Committee received both public and classified evidence related to the proposed amendments to 13 Commonwealth Acts in the Bill, and found that all were reasonable and justified. The amendments related to Richardson Review recommendations had been developed in line with that review’s findings and give effect to the reforms and efficiencies envisaged by those changes. Committee Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP said: ‘The Committee supports improvements that allow the National Intelligence Community to undertake its important work without the encumbrances of outdated legislation or without the defences and exemptions necessary to protect their information, critical functions and capabilities.’ ‘The Bill also considers principles delivered by Justice Hope 40 years ago, outlined in the review which highlight the importance of agencies being held accountable, operating in accordance with the law, with respect to human rights and fundamental freedoms, whilst remaining politically impartial’, according to Mr Khalil. The two amendments to the Intelligence Services Act 2001 were considered by the Committee and were supported in the Committee’s majority report. These relate to the composition and quorum of the PJCIS; and to the requirements of ministerial directions given to the Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS). Mr Khalil said: ‘The amendments to the composition of the PJCIS will allow for flexibility and an increased membership on the Committee to engage in its important work. 'The amendments related to the most sensitive work of ASIS will require greater detail in ministerial directions, to ensure that appropriate ministerial oversight and accountability in relation to ASIS’ activities is maintained into the future.' Further information on the inquiry as well as a copy of the report can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has tabled its report for its review into the operation, effectiveness and implications of the Counter-Terrorism (Temporary Exclusion Orders) Act 2019.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 10 May 2023

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has today tabled its report for its review into the operation, effectiveness and implications of the Counter-Terrorism (Temporary Exclusion Orders) Act 2019. The Counter-Terrorism (Temporary Exclusion Orders) Act 2019 established the TEO Regime, with: ‘temporary exclusion orders’ (TEOs) to prevent the return of individuals to Australia without a return permit; and ‘return permits’ to enable pre-entry and post-entry conditions to be imposed on returning individuals. The Committee found that the TEO Regime is operating as expected and is operationally effective, but the Committee made six recommendations to ensure that the TEO Regime will continue to work as needed to protect Australia’s national security. The recommendations include: that the Australian Government consider the decisions of the High Court in current relevant cases related to the counter-terrorism legislative framework and any associated impacts on the Temporary Exclusion Order regime; that the Act be amended so that an assessment made by ASIO under paragraph 10(2)(b) of the Act, or the grounds upon which such an assessment was made, must be provided to the Minister. in the event that personal service is not possible because it is not safe or practicable, the Committee recommends that the Act be amended so that return permits can be served via alternative means (including email or text message). Chair of the Committee Mr Peter Khalil MP said “the TEO Regime strikes the right balance between the right of return for Australian citizens and national security, particularly the safety of the Australian community. The amendments recommended by the Committee will ensure the TEO Regime remains fit for purpose for the future.” Further information on the inquiry as well as a copy of the report can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security will hear evidence tomorrow from a range of witnesses for its Review of the National Security Legislation Amendment (Comprehensive Review and Other Measures No. 2) Bill 2023.

Media release issue date: Monday, 10 April 2023

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security will hear evidence tomorrow from a range of witnesses for its Review of the National Security Legislation Amendment (Comprehensive Review and Other Measures No. 2) Bill 2023. The Committee will hear from witnesses including Dr Brendan Walker-Munro, the Commonwealth Ombudsman, the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, ASIO, the Department of Home Affairs and the Attorney-General’s Department. “The Committee is undertaking a review of the bill on referral from the Attorney-General.” PJCIS Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP said.   “The Australian Government has been implementing recommendations of the Comprehensive Review of the Legal Framework of the National Intelligence Community (known as the Richardson Review) since its completion in December 2019. This bill would implement a further ten of those recommendations, across several Commonwealth Acts, related to the Attorney-General’s portfolio. The bill also proposes amendments to the Intelligence Service Act 2001 regarding the number of members and composition of the PJCIS, as well as changes to Ministerial directions issued by the Foreign Minister to the Australian Secret Intelligence Service. “Careful consideration of the various changes proposed in the bill reflects a central role of the PJCIS, in providing assurance to Parliament that these amendments will be appropriate, proportionate and well considered.” Mr Khalil said. Further information on the bill review can be obtained from the Committee’s website.            Public Hearing Details Tuesday, 11 April 2023 10.45AM – 3.00PM (AEST) Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra A program for the hearing can be found here and the hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live. Media inquiries Chair, Mr Peter Khalil MP via Lachlan Hinds, 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information Please contact the Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Amendment Bill 2023.

Media release issue date: Monday, 3 April 2023

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Amendment Bill 2023. On 29 March 2023 the Minister for Home Affairs wrote to the Committee referring the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Amendment Bill 2023 for the Committee’s review. The Bill contains a suite of amendments to: uplift and harden Australia’s highest-level of security clearance in response to the unprecedented threat from espionage and foreign interference confronting Australia, and drive shared initiatives and investments that improve interoperability and burden sharing as the Australian Government delivers critical national security capabilities. The Bill would enable the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) to implement a consistent approach to issuing, maintaining and revoking Australia’s highest-level security clearances that ensures Australia’s most sensitive information, capability and secrets remain protected. Mr Peter Khalil MP, Chair of the PJCIS said “Reviewing important national security legislation that, through the high-level access security clearances provide, will affect Australia’s National Security architecture is a key part of the Parliamentary oversight work of the PJCIS. The review will provide assurance that these changes provide a security framework that will last well into the future.” Submissions are invited by Friday 21 April 2023. The Committee encourages concise submissions. Correspondence addressing individuals’ security clearance issues will not be accepted as submissions to this inquiry. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review into the National Security Legislation Amendment (Comprehensive Review and Other Measures No. 2) Bill 2023, The bill referred to the Committee by the Hon. Mark Dreyfus KC, MP, Attorney-General on 29 March 2023.

Media release issue date: Friday, 31 March 2023

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review into the National Security Legislation Amendment (Comprehensive Review and Other Measures No. 2) Bill 2023, The bill was referred to the Committee by the Hon. Mark Dreyfus KC, MP, Attorney-General on 29 March 2023. The Bill proposes amendments to enhance the legislative framework of the National Intelligence Community (NIC) by implementing some of the recommendations (recommendations 18, 19, 66, 136, 145, 167, 186, 188, 191 and 192) of the Comprehensive Review of the Legal Framework of the National Intelligence Community (known as the Richardson Review) within the Attorney-General’s portfolio. It proposes amendments to 13 related Commonwealth Acts to support these proposed enhancements. The Bill also proposes to amend the Intelligence Services Act 2001 (IS Act) to provide certainty regarding the level of detail required to describe the directed activities in a Ministerial direction to the Australian Secret Intelligence Service under paragraph 6(1)(e) of the IS Act. In addition the bill proposes amendments to the IS Act on the composition and associated quorum requirements of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) Mr Peter Khalil MP, Chair of the PJCIS said “The Committee’s (PJCIS) review of this national security Bill is an important Parliamentary oversight of the implementation of the recommendations of the Richardson Review. The PJCIS review process adds an extra layer of assurance that these changes are not only appropriate but will not have unintended impacts.” The Attorney-General has requested that the Committee report by the end of April 2023. Accordingly, submissions to the inquiry are invited by midday on Thursday, 6 April 2023. The Committee acknowledges the very tight timeframe requested for submissions and appreciates all efforts to support the Committee with its review. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) today presented its Advisory Report on Item 250 of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2022.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 29 March 2023

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) today presented its Advisory Report on Item 250 of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2022. The report considers Item 250 of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2022, which was passed into law in December 2022. Item 250 amended section 110A(1) of the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979 (TIA Act) to allow the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) access to stored communications and telecommunications data. The Committee made seven recommendations in relation to the reform of Australia’s electronic surveillance framework, parliamentary privilege and security of information. The Committee noted that Item 250 gives a wide range of covert powers to the NACC and considered the effect of the use of these powers on parliamentary privilege. The Committee recommended the Government ensure the protection of parliamentary privilege in relation to the use of covert powers in its Reform of Australia’s Electronic Surveillance Framework. Further the Committee considered that the TIA Act should be expressly amended to ensure that the provisions of that Act do not abrogate parliamentary privilege. The Committee also recommended that, given the sensitivity of information to be collected and stored by the NACC, it should be required to comply with the Essential Eight Maturity Model to Maturity Level Three as recommended by the Australian Cyber Security Centre. Finally, the Committee recommended that employees at the NACC hold a security clearance of at least Negative Vetting Level 1, with increased requirements up to Positive Vetting depending on their access to sensitive information. Committee Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP said: ‘The Committee supports allowing what will be Australia’s premier anti-corruption agency the covert powers necessary to undertake its important work. The Committee has recommended some additional measures to ensure that the NACC can operate effectively while ensuring necessary protections for parliamentary privilege, and for sensitive information.” Further information on the inquiry as well as a copy of the report can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) today presented its Advisory Report on the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Modernisation) Bill 2022.

Media release issue date: Monday, 20 March 2023

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) today presented its Advisory Report on the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Modernisation) Bill 2022. The report considers the operation and effectiveness of the amendments proposed by the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Modernisation) Bill 2022. The Committee recommended the Bill be passed following the implementation of the four remaining recommendations. The Committee considered that information sharing provisions between the IGIS and the Committee could be improved and recommended that opportunities to improve information sharing should be pursued. The Committee also recommends that an individual’s eligibility for appointment to the role of Inspector-General should occur after an appropriate period of time to be determined by the Government, following the individual’s employment in an intelligence agency. The remaining recommendations provide that the Office of National Intelligence develop an employment framework for staff engaged under their Act, and an amendment to the Bill to ensure consistency between integrity bodies’ legislation. Committee Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP said: ‘The Committee supports improvements that allow the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security to effectively oversee Australia’s intelligence agencies’. Further information on the inquiry as well as a copy of the report can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries: Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information:  Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has tabled its Annual Report of Committee Activities 2021-2022. The report covers the financial year from 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 22 February 2023

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has today tabled its Annual Report of Committee Activities 2021-2022. The report covers the financial year from 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022. Over the review period the Committee undertook a significant volume of work across 21 inquiries and presented 17 reports on a range of complex national security matters. The Committee’s work included scrutiny of bills before Parliament, statutory reviews of legislation, two administration and expenditure reviews of the intelligence agencies, reviews of terrorist listings, and two policy inquiries. The Committee’s activities for the review period ceased in April 2022 with the end of the 46th Parliament. Chair of the Committee, Mr Peter Khalil MP, said ‘Effective parliamentary oversight of the intelligence community, undertaken by the PJCIS, is a crucial part of Australia’s democratic infrastructure.’ ‘I acknowledge the work of the Committee in the 46th Parliament, which managed a high workload in a diligent and bipartisan manner, to fulfil the important oversight and inquiry functions of the Committee.’ ‘I look forward to reporting on the work of the Committee in the 47th Parliament in due course.’ Further information on the functions and role of the Committee as well as a copy of the report can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information:  Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security will hear evidence tomorrow from a range of expert witnesses for the Review of the Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme Act 2018.

Media release issue date: Monday, 20 February 2023

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security will hear evidence tomorrow from a range of expert witnesses for the Review of the Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme Act 2018. The Committee will hear from a range of witnesses, including former Prime Minister the Hon Malcolm Turnbull AC, Ms Katherine Mansted from the ANU Security College, Mr Alex Joske, and Australian universities and higher education representative bodies. The Committee will also hear from key government agencies: ASIO, the Department of Home Affairs and the Attorney-General’s Department. “The Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme (FITS) is the first pillar of sunlight in Australia’s framework for countering foreign interference. The FITS allows for public scrutiny of legitimate influence activities that foreign governments or entities might be conducting in Australia, or through the activities of Australians.” PJCIS Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP said.   “The Committee has received mixed evidence regarding the operation, effectiveness and implications of the Scheme since it commenced in 2018. This public hearing will allow the PJCIS to hear from affected entities, as well as expert witnesses regarding the grey area that exists between foreign influence and foreign interference, and whether the FITS is operating as the transparency spotlight it is intended to be. The Committee will then test that evidence with the Attorney-General’s Department as the Department that administers the FITS.” Mr Khalil said. Further information on the review and the FITS Act can be obtained from the Committee’s website.           Public Hearing Details Tuesday, 21 February 2023 10.45 am–4:45 pm (AEDT) Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra A program for the hearing can be found here and the hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live. Media inquiries Chair, Mr Peter Khalil MP via Laura Adams, 0481 393 341 Laura.Adams@aph.gov.au For background information Please contact the Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has today tabled its report by statement on the Review of the 2022 relisting of four organisations as terrorist organisations under the Criminal Code. The relistings cover Al-Qa'ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), Al-Qa’ida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), Islamic State in Libya (IS-Libya) and Islamic State Sinai Province (IS-Sinai).

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 14 February 2023

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has today tabled its report by statement on the Review of the 2022 relisting of four organisations as terrorist organisations under the Criminal Code. The relistings cover Al-Qa'ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), Al-Qa’ida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), Islamic State in Libya (IS-Libya) and Islamic State Sinai Province (IS-Sinai). The four organisations have all been listed as terrorist organisations under the Criminal Code since 2016 or earlier. The listing of the organisations, made by regulations tabled in Parliament, triggers the application of a number of offences under the Criminal Code relating to membership of, support for or association with the organisations. All four organisations seek to revive or re-establish a Caliphate within the territories they operate in and seek to do so through a militant jihadist ideology and fomentation of sectarian violence. All four organisations have expressed sentiments against Australian allies and interests. AQAP is a Yemen-based religiously motivated violent extremist group which, since its establishment in 2009, has undertaken numerous terrorist and criminal activities. A recognised affiliate of al-Qa’ida, AQAP has undertaken, attempted to conduct attacks and advocated for the undertaking of terrorist attacks within Yemen and internationally, including praising attacks against Australia’s allies. Based primarily in Pakistan, AQIS is an al-Qa’ida-affiliated religiously motivated violent extremist organisation, which seeks to advance al-Qa’ida’s objectives in South Asia. AQIS currently recruits from Muslim communities across South Asia, with its leadership based in Afghanistan and Pakistan. As an officially recognised affiliate of Islamic State, IS-Libya is a religiously motivated violent extremist organisation that has undertaken terrorist attacks and kidnappings against police and military personnel in North Africa, resulting in multiple deaths. Since its re-listing in 2019, IS Libya has undertaken multiple attacks including bombing of a police checkpoint and attacks on Libyan National Army soldiers.  Based on Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, IS-Sinai is a religiously motivated violent extremist group located in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula and is officially recognised by Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). Since its last re-listing in 2019, IS-Sinai has undertaken multiple attacks including against the Egyptian government, detonation of a gas pipeline and killing civilians and Egyptian soldiers through use of explosive devices. Chair of the Committee, Mr Peter Khalil MP, said, ‘Based on information provided, it is the view of the committee that the appropriate processes have been followed and that the four organisations meet the threshold for re-listing as terrorist organisations under the Criminal Code.’ Further information on the review can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries: Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information:  Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review into the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Modernisation) Bill 2022. The bill review was referred to the Committee by the Hon. Mark Dreyfus KC, MP, Attorney-General.

Media release issue date: Friday, 10 February 2023

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review into the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Modernisation) Bill 2022. The bill review was referred to the Committee by the Hon. Mark Dreyfus KC, MP, Attorney-General. The Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Modernisation) Bill 2022 proposes amendments to the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security Act 1986 to improve the ability of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security (IGIS) to provide effective oversight of intelligence and security agencies. The bill would improve reporting and information sharing processes, allow the IGIS to consider employment related grievances for staff employed by the Office of National Intelligence and introduce provisions preventing the head or deputy head of an agency overseen by the IGIS from being appointed to the position immediately after serving in that capacity. The bill includes a number of technical amendments to improve clarity, modernise drafting expressions and remove redundant provisions, as well as to address certain limitations in the Inspector-General's oversight functions and powers. In addition, the bill also amends the provisions of the National Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2022 to clarify information sharing arrangements with the IGIS. Submissions to the inquiry are invited by Friday, 17 February 2023. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information   Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review of the relistings of Al-Qa'ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), Al-Qa’ida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), Islamic State in Libya (IS-Libya) and Islamic State Sinai Province (IS-Sinai) as terrorist organisations under the Criminal Code Act 1995 (the Criminal Code).

Media release issue date: Thursday, 1 December 2022

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review of the relistings of Al-Qa'ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), Al-Qa’ida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), Islamic State in Libya (IS-Libya) and Islamic State Sinai Province (IS-Sinai) as terrorist organisations under the Criminal Code Act 1995(the Criminal Code). The Australian Government first listed AQAP as a terrorist organisation under the Criminal Code on 26 November 2010 and first listed AQIS, IS-Sinai and IS-Libya with effect from 29 November 2016. AQAP was formed in 2009 and is a religiously motivated violent extremist group that is officially recognised by al-Qa’ida. While it is based in Yemen, and attacks are primarily focused on Yemeni targets, AQAP has also conducted attacks on Saudi Arabian targets as well as attempted attacks within the US and against US interests. AQIS was founded in Pakistan in 2014, it is an al-Qa'ida-affiliated religiously motivated violent extremist organisation that has historically undertaken attacks against Pakistani military and security personnel, as well as against citizens in Bangladesh. They have also advocated attacks against India. IS-Libya formed in Libya in 2014 by local returnees who had returned from Syria, IS-Libya is an officially recognised IS affiliate that promotes IS’s extreme global jihadist ideology. Its attacks have focused on a wide range of targets in North Africa. IS-Sinai is based in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. It is also a religiously motivated violent extremist group which first pledged allegiance to Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in 2014. It seeks to overthrow the Egyptian government in an effort to establish an extremist Islamic state in Egypt. The relisting of these four organisations, made by regulations tabled in Parliament this week, triggers the continued application of a number of offences under the Criminal Code relating to membership of, support for or associating with the organisations. Under section 102.1A of the Criminal Code, the Committee may review listings of terrorist organisations and report its findings to each house of the Parliament within the 15 sitting day disallowance period for the regulations. Members of the public are welcome to make submissions to this review. Submissions should be provided no later than 5pm Tuesday, 31 January 2023. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) is holding a public hearing for its Review of Item 250 of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2022.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 17 November 2022

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) is holding a public hearing for its Review of Item 250 of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2022. Public hearing 18 November 2022 10.30 am – 1.45 pm Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra The Committee’s website has a full program for the hearing Subsection 110A(1) of the TIA Act defines 'criminal law-enforcement agency', being an agency that is permitted to obtain stored communications warrants and to give authorisations for access to telecommunications data under the TIA Act. Item 250 of Schedule 1 to the Consequential Bill amends the definition of criminal law-enforcement agency to remove the reference to the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity and insert a reference to the National Anti-Corruption Commission. The Bill proposes that this Item would ensure the new Commission can exercise TIA Act powers, to effectively investigate corrupt conduct that could be serious or systemic where the conduct concerned meets the existing thresholds in the TIA Act. Teleconference and video conference facilities may be used to connect witnesses to Committee Members. The hearings will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has today tabled its report by statement on the review of the re-listing of Islamic State Somalia as a terrorist organisation under Australia’s Criminal Code.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 9 November 2022

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has today tabled its report by statement on the review of the re-listing of Islamic State Somalia as a terrorist organisation under Australia’s Criminal Code. Islamic State Somalia is an officially recognised affiliate of Islamic State seeking to establish an Islamic Caliphate in the Horn of Africa. It has performed terrorist acts against Somali citizens and government officials and promotes terrorist acts against Australia’s allies overseas. The Committee’s report by statement acknowledges that the appropriate processes have been followed and that Islamic State Somalia meets the threshold for listing as a terrorist organisation under the Criminal Code. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries: Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information:  Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) is holding a public hearing for its review into the operation, effectiveness and implications of the Counter-Terrorism (Temporary Exclusion Orders) Act 2019. The Committee will hear from the Law Council, Australian Human Rights Commission, the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security as well as Home Affairs, Border Force, ASIO and the AFP.

Media release issue date: Friday, 14 October 2022

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) is holding a public hearing for its review into the operation, effectiveness and implications of the Counter-Terrorism (Temporary Exclusion Orders) Act 2019. The Committee will hear from the Law Council, Australian Human Rights Commission, the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security as well as Home Affairs, Border Force, ASIO and the AFP. Public hearing 17 October 2022 10.00 am – 2.30 pm Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra The Committee’s website has a full program for the hearing Committee Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP said that “Hearing from ASIO and the AFP in particular will allow the Committee to hear exactly how effective the use of TEOs has been from those who are involved with them in an operational context.” The Temporary Exclusion Order scheme was introduced in 2019 to provide greater control over Australians returning from overseas who are of counter-terrorism interest including foreign fighters. A TEO may be issued where an individual returns to Australia without a return permit, which enables conditions to be imposed on an individual pre-entry and post-entry, and where one of the following conditions are satisfied: The Minister suspects on reasonable grounds that making the order would address a terrorist threat; or The individual has been assessed by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation to be a direct or indirect risk to security for reasons related to politically motivated violence. Teleconference and video conference facilities may be used to connect witnesses to Committee Members. The hearings will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review Item 250 of Schedule 1 of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2022.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 11 October 2022

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review Item 250 of Schedule 1 of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2022. On 30 September 2022 the Attorney-General wrote to the Committee referring an amendment to subsection 110A(1) of the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979 (TIA Act) included in the National Anti-Corruption Commission (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2022 (the Consequential Bill) for the Committee’s review. Subsection 110A(1) of the TIA Act defines 'criminal law-enforcement agency', being an agency that is permitted to obtain stored communications warrants and to give authorisations for access to telecommunications data under the TIA Act. Item 250 of Schedule 1 to the Consequential Bill amends the definition of criminal law-enforcement agency to remove the reference to the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity and insert a reference to the National Anti-Corruption Commission. The Bill proposes that this Item would ensure the new Commission can exercise TIA Act powers, to effectively investigate corrupt conduct that could be serious or systemic where the conduct concerned meets the existing thresholds in the TIA Act. Subsection 110A(11) of the TIA Act requires any amendment to subsection 110A(1) of the TIA Act to be referred to the Committee for review. The Committee notes that this review is separate to Joint Select Committee on National Anti-Corruption Commission Legislation and submissions addressing issues beyond Item 250 of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2022 should be addressed to that Committee. Submissions, addressing only Item 250 of the Consequential Bill, are invited by Monday 31 October 2022. The Committee encourages concise submissions. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The PJCIS has commenced a review of the relisting of Islamic State Somalia as a terrorist organisation under the Criminal Code.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 11 October 2022

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review of the relisting of Islamic State Somalia as a terrorist organisation under the Criminal Code Act 1995 (the Criminal Code). Founded in 2014 by a splinter group of disaffected al-Shabaab members, Islamic State Somalia is an officially recognised affiliate of Islamic State Syria and has the stated aim of establishing a Caliphate in the Horn of Africa. It has conducted several terrorist acts in the northern Somali Puntland region targeting Somali Government officials and civilians. The Australian Government has listed Islamic State Somalia as a terrorist organisation since 2019. Under section 102.1A of the Criminal Code, the Committee may review listings of terrorist organisations and report its findings to each house of the Parliament within the 15 sitting day disallowance period.  Members of the public are welcome to make submissions to this review. Submissions should be provided no later than 5pm Tuesday, 25 October 2022. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media enquiries Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has supported the listing of Hamas and the National Socialist Order (NSO) and the re-listing of Abu Sayyaf Group, al-Qa’ida, al-Qa’ida in the Lands of the Islamic Maghreb, Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, Hurras al-Din and Jemaah Islamiyah as terrorist organisations under Australia’s Criminal Code.

Media release issue date: Monday, 26 September 2022

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has supported the listing of Hamas and the National Socialist Order (NSO) and the re-listing of Abu Sayyaf Group, al-Qa’ida, al-Qa’ida in the Lands of the Islamic Maghreb, Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, Hurras al-Din and Jemaah Islamiyah as terrorist organisations under Australia’s Criminal Code. The PJCIS today presented the report of its Review of the listing and re-listing of eight organisations as terrorist organisations under the Criminal Code. The report examines the listing of Hamas in its entirety as a terrorist organisation under the Criminal Code for the first time. In a review of previous regulations in October 2021 the committee supported the re-listing of Hamas’ paramilitary wing, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, but also recommended that the Government expand the listing to include the entirety of Hamas, on the basis that the Government assessed that the organisation directly or indirectly engaged in terrorist acts and/or advocated the doing of terrorist acts. In reviewing this listing, the Committee concluded that the previous Government was within its powers to make that assessment and followed the appropriate processes in doing so. The Committee also endorsed the listing of National Socialist Order (NSO), formerly known as Atomwaffen Division, for the first time. NSO is a racist and nationalist violent extremist group which encourages terror attacks and other acts of violence, and has significant global reach. NSO is the third white supremacist group to be listed as a terrorist organisation under the Criminal Code, following the listings of Sonnenkrieg Division and The Base in 2021. Committee Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP said: ‘The Committee agrees that in the interest of protecting Australians and Australia’s national security, it is appropriate to list all of these as terrorist organisations under the Criminal Code’. Media inquiries Chair, Mr Peter Khalil MP via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information:  Committee Secretariat (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

Australia’s rapidly deteriorating security environment, which is characterised by unprecedented levels of foreign interference, cyber attacks and terrorism, has led to a record high workload for the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security in the 46th Parliament.

Media release issue date: Friday, 1 April 2022

Australia’s rapidly deteriorating security environment, which is characterised by unprecedented levels of foreign interference, cyber attacks and terrorism, has led to a record high workload for the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security in the 46th Parliament. Throughout the term, the PJCIS tabled 38 reports, including 23 tabled in the past 12 months alone. This is equal only to the workload of the 45th Parliament, and far exceeds the 22 reports tabled in the 44th Parliament and the ten reports in the 43rd Parliament. Given this workload, the Committee reiterates its recommendation in its Annual Report 2020-21 that the parts of the Intelligence Services Act 2001 which govern the work of the committee should be referred to the PJCIS at the commencement of the 47th Parliament. Of note the Committee recommended passage of: the Surveillance Legislation Amendment (Identify and Disrupt) Bill 2020 establishing three new warrants that give our law enforcement agencies effective powers to enable swift and decisive action against the rising challenge of serious online crime; the Security Legislation Amendment (Critical Infrastructure Protection) Bill 2022 which establishes critical tools that will bring together government and industry to strengthen our defences against significant threats from nation state adversaries and criminal actors; the Intelligence Oversight and Other Legislation Amendment (Integrity Measures) Bill 2020 ensuring that vital oversight and scrutiny keeps pace with new intelligence service capabilities to retain public confidence and ensure scarce resources are most effectively targeted to the most serious risks; and securing the listings of both Hamas and Hezbollah, in their entirety, as terrorist organisations. In addition, the Committee’s ground-breaking Inquiry into national security risks affecting the Australian higher education and research sector report made 27 bipartisan, unanimous recommendations to address the serious threats posed by foreign interference to our most critical research institutions. The Inquiry into Extremist Movements and Radicalism in Australia remains ongoing, with the Committee presenting an interim report recommending the PJCIS of the 47th Parliament conclude this important work. An inquiry into the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Amendment (Corrective Services Authorities) Bill 2022 – referred to the PJCIS on 21 February 2022 ­– will commence in the 47th Parliament, if the government chooses to progress it, as will the Review of the Migration and Citizenship Legislation Amendment (Strengthening Information Provisions) Bill 2020. The Committee’s Review of Administration and Expenditure No. 20 (2020–21) – Australian Intelligence Agencies and Statutory Reviews of the Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme Act 2018 and of the Counter-Terrorism (Temporary Exclusion Orders) Act 2019 have commenced and will be finalised by the newly appointed Committee in the 47th Parliament. The Committee has agreed to launch a review of the listing of the eight terrorist organisations, including Hamas and the National Socialist Order, for consideration by the PJCIS of the 47th Parliament. Chair of the Committee, Senator James Paterson said the PJCIS will continue to experience a heavy workload as threats to our nation escalate. 'The most important task of the PJCIS is to help keep Australia safe and free. With foreign interference, cyber threats and terrorism at their highest levels yet, this task has never been more important. 'Our strategic environment is experiencing the most consequential realignment since the Second World War and we need to ensure security agencies have the right tools to protect our nation, and the right oversight mechanisms to ensure they retain public confidence for their important work. 'I thank all members of the Committee for their tireless commitment to this task over the 46th Parliament,' Senator Paterson said. Further information on the review as well as a copies of the reports mentioned above, can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media enquiries Chair, Senator James Paterson Deborah Seccombe 0451 255 891  deborah.seccombe@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

On behalf of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, we extend our deepest sympathies to the Irvine family and to all who loved him and had the privilege to know him.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 31 March 2022

On behalf of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, we extend our deepest sympathies to the Irvine family and to all who loved him and had the privilege to know him. David Irvine’s passing is a tremendous loss to Australia, and to everyone in the National Intelligence Community who has benefited from his guidance, wisdom and expertise.  There is no question that Australia is a safer, stronger and more secure nation because of David’s enduring contribution to our defence forces, intelligence community and our national security. A great defender of our freedom and democracy, David’s intellect, insight and judgement will be sorely missed.   Senator James Paterson                                            Senator Jenny McAllister Chair                                                                         Deputy Chair   Media inquiries: Chair, Senator James Paterson Deborah Seccombe   0451 255 891 deborah.seccombe@aph.gov.au For background information:  Committee Secretariat (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review of the listing and re-listing of eight organisations as terrorist organisations under the Criminal Code Act 1995 (the Criminal Code).

Media release issue date: Thursday, 31 March 2022

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review of the listing and re-listing of eight organisations as terrorist organisations under the Criminal Code Act 1995 (the Criminal Code). The listing of these organisations, made by regulations tabled in Parliament this week, triggers the application of a number of offences under the Criminal Code relating to membership of, support for or associating with the organisations. Hamas is listed for the first time in its entirety, replacing the previous listing of Hamas’ Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades (the military wing of Hamas). This follows a recommendation of the PJCIS to the Government to consider broadening the listing in October 2021. The Government has determined that Hamas is an ideologically and religiously motivated violent extremist organisation, which supports a strategy of armed resistance in pursuit of its goals of establishing an independent Palestinian state, and destroying Israel as a political entity. Hamas’ leadership has stated that there is no neat separation between the organisations’ political and paramilitary components and implied that the Brigades’ activities, including the use of terrorism, are sanctioned by and carried out as part of the wider Hamas organisation. Public statements made by Hamas’ political leaders have supported and advocated terrorism-related activities. National Socialist Order (NSO), formerly known as Atomwaffen Division, has been listed as a terrorist organisation for the first time. The Government has determined that NSO is a nationalist and racist violent extremist group, founded in the United States in 2015, which advocates the use of violence to initiate a race war and establish a white ethno-state. Two organisations, Hay’at al Tahrir al-Sham and Hurras al-Din, are listed for the first time in place of the previously-listed organisation Jabhat Fatah al-Sham, on the basis that these two groups are successors to Jabhat Fatah al-Sham, which is now defunct. Four groups previously listed as terrorist organisations have been re-listed for a further three years by these regulations: Abu Sayyaf Group, Al Qa’ida, Al Qa’ida in the Lands of the Islamic Maghreb and Jemaah Islamiyah. Under section 102.1A of the Criminal Code, the Committee may review listings of terrorist organisations and report its findings to each House of the Parliament within the 15 sitting day disallowance period for the relevant regulations. Members of the public are invited to make submissions to this review, for likely consideration by the new PJCIS once formed in the next Parliament after the election. Submissions should be provided no later than Friday 13 May 2022. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media enquiries Chair, Senator James Paterson Deborah Seccombe 0451 255 891 deborah.seccombe@aph.gov.au For background information   Committee Secretariat Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has backed proposed laws that will further strengthen the capacity of the National Intelligence Community to contend with a rapidly deteriorating security environment.

Media release issue date: Friday, 25 March 2022

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has backed proposed laws that will further strengthen the capacity of the National Intelligence Community to contend with a rapidly deteriorating security environment. In its Review of the National Security Legislation Amendment (Comprehensive Review and Other Measures No. 1) Bill 2021, the PJCIS closely examined the Government response to several recommendations of the Comprehensive Review of the Legal Framework of the National Intelligence Community (Comprehensive Review), led by Dennis Richardson AC. This includes: enabling the Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS), the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) and the Australian Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation (AGO) to undertake activities to produce intelligence where there is, or is likely to be, an imminent risk to the safety of an Australian person enabling ASIS, ASD and AGO to seek ministerial authorisation to produce intelligence on a class of Australian persons who are, or are likely to be, involved with a listed terrorist organisation allowing ASIS more flexibility to work with ASIO in the performance of its functions within Australia. Committee Chair Senator James Paterson said the laws address critical operational challenges currently experienced in the National Intelligence Community. 'These laws modernise the legal framework that binds and empowers our National Intelligence Community by giving them the tools they need to keep pace with an evolving security landscape,' Senator Paterson said. 'The Committee is satisfied that these tools are proportionate to the threat at large, and with only minor amendments, contain robust oversight mechanisms and privacy protections.' Further information on the review as well as a copy of the report can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media enquiries Chair, Senator James Paterson Deborah Seccombe 0451 255 891 deborah.seccombe@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has backed proposed new laws that further enhance government cooperation with industry to combat sophisticated cyber-attacks on Australia’s critical infrastructure.

Media release issue date: Friday, 25 March 2022

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has backed proposed new laws that further enhance government cooperation with industry to combat sophisticated cyber-attacks on Australia’s critical infrastructure. In its Advisory report on the Security Legislation Amendment (Critical Infrastructure Protection) Bill 2022 (SLACIP Bill) presented today, the Committee has recommended that the next phase of critical infrastructure protections be passed, with targeted amendments. These provisions will enable the government to work with industry to ensure that appropriate risk management programs are in place, and that the nation’s most at risk assets can be protected on all fronts. The PJCIS has made 11 recommendations in relation to the Bill and the revised Security of Critical Infrastructure (SOCI) framework, which aim to ensure that: the cooperative relationship with industry can continue to inform the flexible regulatory base that the Bill proposes; the Committee is notified when sensitive powers are exercised and that consultation is ongoing and effective; elements of the potential impact of the Bill on workers’ rights are clarified, definitions codified and that review mechanisms be considered; and the Bill’s mechanisms will be reviewed for their effectiveness, operation and proportionality, once the new powers are finalised and implemented. Chair of the Committee, Senator James Paterson said, 'The new laws are a critical tool that will bring together government and industry to strengthen our defences against significant threats from nation state adversaries and criminal actors.' 'The threat to Australia is increasing in scale and sophistication, and so it’s never been more important to harden our systems. That requires a collaborative effort from government and industry to identify and counter cyber threats targeted at our critical infrastructure, many of which are currently regarded as soft targets by our adversaries,' Senator Paterson said. 'Regrettably, even the best endeavours of industry may not be enough to stop a cascading and potentially economy-crippling collapse of supply lines and services. That’s why government and industry must be able to efficiently and effectively combine efforts to defend these critical systems. 'The Committee is confident that these tools strike the right balance to ensure our nation’s most critical assets are protected from cyber threats at all levels. The cost of inaction is simply too high. 'To ensure the laws achieve this critical objective, the Committee has recommended that their effectiveness be reviewed once fully implemented to ensure they remain fit for purpose and proportionate to the threat environment,' Senator Paterson said. Further information on the inquiry as well as a copy of the report can be obtained from the inquiry website. Media enquiries Chair, Senator James Paterson Deborah Seccombe 0451 255 891 deborah.seccombe@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) today presented its recommendations to combat foreign interference at Australian universities and in the research sector.

Media release issue date: Friday, 25 March 2022

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) today presented its recommendations to combat foreign interference at Australian universities and in the research sector. In its unanimous and bipartisan Report into national security risks affecting the Australian higher education and research sector, the Committee has made 27 recommendations to address the serious threats posed by foreign interference to our most critical research institutions.   The recommendations are targeted at securing sensitive, taxpayer-funded research and protecting student safety on campus.   Among its recommendations, the Committee has recognised the risks associated with Chinese government-funded Confucius Institutes to academic freedom and student welfare, and calls on universities and the Foreign Minister to take steps to mitigate them.    Similarly, the Committee has asked the Foreign Minister to also decide the future of a $10 million contract between Monash University and COMAC – a Chinese government-owned aviation company that has been linked to a global industrial cyber espionage campaign and been sanctioned by the US government.      The Committee recommends a range of measures to protect students from threats to their freedom of speech, association and physical safety. This includes documenting and reporting incidents of harassment, intimidation and censorship resulting from foreign interference, as well as new penalties for foreign interference activities on campus, including reporting on fellow students to foreign governments.   The Committee has also called for: A risk-based audit which samples Australian Research Council grants over the past decade to determine exposure associated with participation in talent recruitment programs, noting the Thousand Talents Program is one amongst many. Adequacy of existing penalties, including grant fraud, should also be investigated. Banning employees of government departments and agencies from participating in talent-recruitment programs. Training on national security issues for universities’ staff and students. Communicating Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme requirements to foreign student associations operating at Australian universities and investigating possible cases of non-compliance. Committee Chair Senator James Paterson said that while the sector has made progress in addressing national security concerns, foreign interference on campus remains a serious threat, and more work has to be done to safeguard our students and education institutions. 'There’s no question that students and academics have faced a sustained campaign of intimidation, harassment, censorship and intelligence gathering by foreign state governments. This resulted in the transfer of sensitive research to authoritarian regimes and their militaries and threats to the safety of domestic and international students,' Senator Paterson said. 'While efforts have been made to strengthen the sector’s awareness and resilience to these threats, there is a great deal more to do to secure sensitive, taxpayer-funded research, and protect students on campus.   'These bipartisan reforms build on the work already undertaken and I look forward to a continued, concerted effort by government and sector to combat these escalating threats,' Senator Paterson said. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media enquiries Chair, Senator James Paterson Deborah Seccombe 0451 255 891 deborah.seccombe@aph.gov.au For background information  Committee Secretariat Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360  pjcis@aph.gov.au. For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has endorsed the listing of Hizballah and The Base as terrorist organisations under Australia’s Criminal Code.

Media release issue date: Friday, 25 March 2022

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has endorsed the listing of Hizballah and The Base as terrorist organisations under Australia’s Criminal Code. The PJCIS today presented the report of its Review of regulations listing Hizballah and The Base as terrorist organisations under the Criminal Code Act 1995. The regulations, made in December 2021, list Hizballah in its entirety as a terrorist organisation for the first time. In a review of previous regulations, in June 2021 the Committee supported the re-listing of Hizballah’s External Security Organisation under the Criminal Code, but went a step further to recommend that the Government expand the listing to include the whole organisation of Hizballah. Committee Chair Senator James Paterson thanked the Government for acting on the Committee’s recommendation, in recognition of the overwhelming evidence that Hizballah and its External Security Organisation in fact operate as a singular entity, under a singular leadership with shared financing and personnel. 'It’s crystal clear that all of Hizballah is guilty of its violent acts of terrorism against innocent civilians,' Senator Paterson said. 'This terror listing holds the entire organisation to account and sends a strong message that Australia does not tolerate any form of terrorism. It makes clear that Australians should not have any association with Hizballah.' The Base has also been listed as a terrorist organisation for the first time. The Base is a US-based racist and nationalist violent extremist group which encourages terror attacks and other acts of violence, and has attempted to recruit Australians. 'Like Hizballah, the Committee is satisfied that The Base is involved in the planning and preparation of violent terrorist attacks to harm innocent civilians, including Australians. Their terror listing is an important measure to keep the community safe,' Senator Paterson said. Further information on the review as well as a copy of the report can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media enquiries Chair, Senator James Paterson Deborah Seccombe 0451 255 891 deborah.seccombe@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security will hear evidence from critical industries and government agencies on proposed new laws to protect Australia’s infrastructure from sophisticated cyber attacks.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 15 March 2022

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) will hear evidence from critical industries and government agencies on proposed new laws to protect Australia’s infrastructure from sophisticated cyber attacks. The Security Legislation Amendment (Critical Infrastructure Protection) Bill 2022 addresses outstanding elements of new cyber laws passed by the Parliament last year, as recommended by the PJCIS in its Advisory report on the Security Legislation Amendment (Critical Infrastructure) Bill 2020 and Statutory Review of the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018. The Committee will hear from witnesses representing a range of industry sectors including: IT, telecommunications, education, health care, logistics, energy, utilities, and key union groups. The Committee will also hear from key government agencies, such as the Australian Signals Directorate and the Department of Home Affairs. 'Australia’s security outlook has never been more uncertain, and so it’s critical that government and industry are working hand in glove to identify and counter sophisticated cyber attacks,' PJCIS Chair Senator James Paterson said.  'The second tranche of cyber laws aims to achieve just that, and I look forward to hearing from the government and private sector alike to ensure a unified response to threats against our nation,' Senator Paterson said. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Public hearing details Wednesday, 16 March 2022 10.00am – 5:00pm (AEDT) Committee Room 2S1, Parliament House, Canberra A program for the hearing is available online and the hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live. Media enquiries: Chair, Senator James Paterson via Deborah Seccombe 0451 255 891 deborah.seccombe@aph.gov.au For background information: Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) will hold a public hearing for its Review of the National Security Legislation Amendment (Comprehensive Review and Other Measures No. 1) Bill 2021 on Friday 25 February.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 24 February 2022

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) will hold a public hearing for its Review of the National Security Legislation Amendment (Comprehensive Review and Other Measures No. 1) Bill 2021 on Friday 25 February. The Committee will consider the Government response to a number of recommendations of the Comprehensive Review of the Legal Framework of the National Intelligence Community (Comprehensive Review) led by Dennis Richardson AC. This includes: enabling the Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS), the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) and the Australian Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation (AGO) to undertake activities to produce intelligence where there is, or is likely to be, an imminent risk to the safety of an Australian person enabling ASIS, ASD and AGO to seek ministerial authorisation to produce intelligence on a class of Australian persons who are, or are likely to be, involved with a listed terrorist organisation removing the geographic limit requiring that ASIS activities undertaken to support ASIO in the performance of its functions be conducted outside Australia Committee Chair, Senator James Paterson said: “I look forward to hearing from both civil society and government witnesses to ensure that the legal framework that binds and empowers our National Intelligence Community is fit for purpose, and able to contend with our rapidly shifting security environment.” Public Hearing Details Friday, 25 February 2022 10AM – 4PM (AEST) Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra A program for the hearing can be found here. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, teleconference and video conference facilities may be used to connect witnesses to Committee Members. The hearings will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media Inquiries: Chair, Senator James Paterson via Deborah Seccombe on 0451 255 891 or deborah.seccombe@aph.gov.au For Background Information:  Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, (02) 6277 2360 or pjcis@aph.gov.au. For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review into new laws to protect Australia’s infrastructure from sophisticated cyber threats.

Media release issue date: Friday, 11 February 2022

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review into new laws to protect Australia’s infrastructure from sophisticated cyber threats. The Security Legislation Amendment (Critical Infrastructure Protection) Bill 2022 was referred to the Committee by the Hon Karen Andrews MP, Minister for Home Affairs, and has been requested to report in time for the Bill to be passed in the March 2022 sitting period. The Bill has been introduced to address the outstanding elements of the proposed framework that the PJCIS reported on in its Advisory report on the Security Legislation Amendment (Critical Infrastructure) Bill 2020 and Statutory Review of the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018. The Bill proposes revised measures to introduce: Critical Infrastructure Risk Management Programs – revised and reformed in line with the recommendations of the PJCIS report. The form of the programs, the rules defining their content and scope, and ongoing consultation to ensure collaborative design and to avoid regulatory duplication has been highlighted by the Government in the Bill’s introduction; Declaration of Systems of National Significance and accompanying Enhanced Cyber Security Obligations; and Other measures to achieve the outcomes of other recommendations from the PJCIS report, feedback from stakeholders and other realised efficiencies.  More information regarding the Bill and its referral can be found at the review website. The Committee requests submissions to the Bill review by Tuesday, 1 March 2022. The Committee acknowledges the short timeframe for this review, and has provided some principle-based questions and themes to help aid submitters on addressing the key areas the Committee will be interested in. These principles are available on the review website. Prospective submitters are advised that any submission to the Committee’s inquiry must be prepared solely for the inquiry and should not be published prior to being accepted by the Committee. Further information about making a submission to a committee inquiry can be found at the following link. Media inquiries Chair, Senator James Paterson via Deborah Seccombe on 0451 255 891 or deborah.seccombe@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, (02) 6277 2360 or pjcis@aph.gov.au. For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.  

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security has backed the enactment of greater oversight of the intelligence community in a new bill, with amendments.

Media release issue date: Monday, 7 February 2022

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security has backed the enactment of greater oversight of the intelligence community in a new bill, with amendments. In its review of the Intelligence Oversight and Other Legislation Amendment (Integrity Measures) Bill 2020, tabled today, the Committee supports the passage of the bill following implementation of four key recommendations. The Bill proposes to expand the oversight jurisdiction of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security (IGIS) to cover the intelligence functions of the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC); and expand the oversight of the PJCIS to cover the intelligence functions of AUSTRAC. The Bill forms part of the Government’s response to the 2020 ‘Richardson Review’ of intelligence legislation. The Committee has recommended that the bill be passed by Parliament following implementation of four other recommendations: That the remit of IGIS and PJCIS be further expanded to also cover the intelligence functions of the Australian Federal Police. That in addition to IGIS, PJCIS be similarly provided with an oversight role over ACIC. That the Government review the scope and adequacy of legislative provisions relating to the retention and destruction of intelligence material. That the Government consider convening a regular meeting of the heads of intelligence integrity agencies, to discuss coordination of their work and promotion of integrity within the National Intelligence Community. 'In an era of strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific and rapid technological change, the government is rightly providing record funding and new powers to our intelligence community to meet new challenges and evolving threats. 'It is vital oversight and scrutiny keeps pace with these new capabilities to retain public confidence and ensure scarce resources are most effectively targeted to the most serious risks,' Chair of the PJCIS, Senator James Paterson said. Further information on the inquiry as well as a copy of the report can be obtained from the inquiry website. Media enquiries Chair, Senator James Paterson via Deborah Seccombe 0451 255 891 deborah.seccombe@aph.gov.au For background information:  Committee Secretariat (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security has endorsed the use of the Telecommunications Sector Security Reforms, making six recommendations to improve its continued operation and address industry concerns.

Media release issue date: Monday, 7 February 2022

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has endorsed the use of the Telecommunications Sector Security Reforms (TSSR), making six recommendations to improve its continued operation and address industry concerns.  The TSSR reforms were enacted in September 2018 to help manage the national security risks of espionage, sabotage and foreign interference in Australia’s telecommunications networks and facilities. The Committee commenced a review in late 2020 to ensure the operation, effectiveness and implications of the reforms were being achieved in line with the original intention of the government and the PJCIS when legislated in 2018. The Committee today presented its recommendations which address industry concerns on the operation of the existing framework, as well as to complement the continued evolution of the government’s cybersecurity and critical infrastructure reform agenda. The six recommendations cover: ensuring that reforms and regulation are informed by the latest global network trends and threats; ensuring that the aim of increased security and cyber-resilience is a central object of the Telecommunications Act 1997; and increasing government and industry collaboration and information sharing in a collaborative working environment to ensure that threat-sharing is efficient, and that any further reforms are co-designed between industry and government to avoid regulatory duplication. Chair of the Committee, Senator James Paterson said the lives and livelihoods of Australians depended on safe and secure telecommunication networks and facilities. 'When our economy and way of life is so heavily reliant on telecommunication networks, this is an area of vulnerability that can be exploited by both state and non-state actors who may seek to cause us harm,' Senator Paterson said. 'That’s why we need appropriate safeguards that empower both service providers and the government to protect our networks from national security risks. The Committee’s recommendations aim to refine the current operation of the reforms to help secure the telecommunications sector, to protect our economy and national security,' Senator Paterson said. Further information on the inquiry as well as a copy of the report can be obtained from the inquiry website. Media enquiries Chair, Senator James Paterson via Deborah Seccombe 0451 255 891 deborah.seccombe@aph.gov.au For background information:  Committee Secretariat (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The PJCIS today presented its review of amendments made by the Telecommunications and Other Legislation Amendment (Assistance and Access) Act 2018 (TOLA Act).

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 22 December 2021

The PJCIS today presented its review of amendments made by the Telecommunications and Other Legislation Amendment (Assistance and Access) Act 2018 (TOLA Act). The TOLA Act amended a range of Commonwealth legislation to introduce measures to better deal with the challenges posed by ubiquitous encryption. The committee considered the ongoing appropriateness, effectiveness and necessity of the powers conferred by the TOLA Act 2018 and made 29 recommendations to the government to amend the legislation. The committee has recommended the powers be retained with additional safeguards and oversight mechanisms to provide the public with confidence the legislation continues to be used proportionally and for its intended purpose. Chair of the committee, Senator James Paterson, said: “Agencies have made the case that these powers remain necessary to combat serious national security threats, and some of the worst fears held by industry at the time of passage have not been realised. “However, these are intrusive powers that must be robustly overseen to ensure they are used appropriately, and there are improvements that can be made to the oversight framework which the committee has recommended,” Senator Paterson said. Further information on the inquiry as well as a copy of the report can be obtained from the inquiry website. Media inquiries: Chair, Senator James Paterson via Deborah Seccombe on 0451 255 891 or deborah.seccombe@aph.gov.au For background information:  Committee Secretariat (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review of the listing of Hizballah and The Base as terrorist organisations under the Criminal Code Act 1995 (the Criminal Code).

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 22 December 2021

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review of the listing of Hizballah and The Base as terrorist organisations under the Criminal Code Act 1995 (the Criminal Code). Hizballah is a Lebanese organisation with political, social and military components. The Australian Government had listed Hizballah’s External Security Organisation (ESO), an entity within Hizballah responsible for various terrorist activities, as a terrorist organisation since 2003 but has recently decided to list the whole organisation of Hizballah as a terrorist organisation, following a unanimous bipartisan recommendation of the PJCIS in June. Founded in the United States, The Base is a nationalist and racist violent extremist movement founded in 2018. Its members believe in an accelerationist ideology of preparing for a ‘race war’ and inevitable social collapse which can be expedited through terrorist attacks. This group has been proscribed as a terrorist organisation by the governments of the United Kingdom and Canada. Under section 102.1A of the Criminal Code, the Committee may review listings of terrorist organisations and report its findings to each house of the Parliament within the 15 sitting day disallowance period.  Members of the public are welcome to make submissions to this review. Submissions should be provided no later than 5pm Tuesday, 1 February 2022. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries: Chair, Senator James Paterson via Deborah Seccombe on 0451 255 891 or deborah.seccombe@aph.gov.au For background information:  Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review into proposed new laws, to address critical operational challenges that national intelligence agencies face, in a rapidly evolving security environment.

Media release issue date: Friday, 26 November 2021

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review into proposed new laws to address critical operational challenges, that national intelligence agencies face, in a rapidly evolving security environment. The National Security Legislation Amendment (Comprehensive Review and Other Measures No. 1) Bill 2021 implements the Government response to several recommendations of the Comprehensive Review of the Legal Framework of the National Intelligence Community (Comprehensive Review) led by Dennis Richardson AC. The measures in the Bill improve the legislative framework governing the National Intelligence Community (NIC) by addressing key operational challenges facing the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), the Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS), the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD), the Australian Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation (AGO), the Defence Intelligence Organisation (DIO) and the Office of National Intelligence (ONI). The Bill also includes amendments recommended by the 2017 Independent Intelligence Review (IIR) and other measures intended to address important and pressing issues facing these agencies. PJCIS Chair Senator James Paterson said it was clear that Australia’s threat environment had evolved. ‘While we need to ensure that our intelligence agencies have the very best tools at their disposal to keep pace with emerging and evolving threats, we also need to ensure that these tools are proportionate and have robust oversight mechanisms,’ Senator Paterson said. The Committee requests submissions to the inquiry by Thursday 3 February 2022. Further information about making a submission to a committee inquiry can be found at the following link. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Chair, Senator James Paterson via Deborah Seccombe 0451 255 891 deborah.seccombe@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

Australia’s intelligence agencies are operating at their best, despite challenges posed by the COVID pandemic, a deteriorating strategic environment and rapidly evolving threats, the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security has found.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 25 November 2021

Australia’s intelligence agencies are operating at their best, despite challenges posed by the COVID pandemic, a deteriorating strategic environment and rapidly evolving threats, the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security has found. Today the Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee tabled its report of the reviews No.18 and No.19 of the administration and expenditure of Australian intelligence agencies for the 2018-19 and 2019-20 financial years, fulfilling one of its key statutory oversight responsibilities, and bringing to a close a review of shifting intelligence agency priorities and capability during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Committee found that the Office of National Intelligence, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, the Australian Secret Intelligence Service, the Australian Signals Directorate, the Australian Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation and the Defence Intelligence Organisation are managing their administration and expenditure appropriately. Committee Chair Senator James Paterson noted that the National Intelligence Community (NIC) continues to mature and develop after its formalisation in 2018 and the Committee is continuing to analyse the evolution of the enterprise and how shared capability and outcomes can be achieved within the parameters of the law and the six agencies’ appropriated funds.                  ‘Australia’s intelligence agencies are operating in a rapidly deteriorating security environment. With foreign interference, cyber intrusion and espionage at levels not seen even throughout the Cold War. Australians can be encouraged to know that our intelligence agencies have risen to the challenge and are operating at their best.’ ‘The Committee was particularly pleased at how agencies continued to achieve their mission despite the disruption caused by the pandemic and public health restrictions which impact their workforce,’ Senator Paterson said. The Committee has made a number of recommendations to investigate options for shared services to support staff complaints and resolution mechanisms, as well as psychological support. The latter was a focus of the Committee’s review and recognises the importance of supporting the dedicated men and women who ensure our nation’s intelligence capabilities are delivered. The Committee also recommended that the Archives Act 1983 be amended to ensure that agencies could address ongoing matters, as well as ensuring that a review of the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic are captured and shared across the NIC. Further information on the inquiry and a copy of the report can be obtained from the Inquiry website. “The Committee has also launched the next Administration and Expenditure Review (No.20) and looks forward to receiving information from the agencies regarding their ongoing operational priorities and safeguards to ensure that their critical functions are being delivered in the most effective and efficient way,” Senator Paterson said. Media inquiries: Chair, Senator James Paterson via Deborah Seccombe on 0451 255 891 deborah.seccombe@aph.gov.au For background information:  Committee Secretariat (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The PJCIS has recommended the Australian Federal Police be allowed to retain a range of counter-terrorism powers to protect Australians.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 14 October 2021

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has recommended the Australian Federal Police be allowed to retain a range of counter-terrorism powers to protect Australians. The PJCIS has today tabled its review into counter-terrorism powers held by the AFP, recommending that the following powers be extended to 7 December 2025: stop, search and seizure powers under subsections 3UK(1), (2) and (3) of the Crimes Act 1914 control order regime under division 104 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 preventative detention order regime in division 105 of the Criminal Code Act 1995. The Committee made 19 recommendations to improve clarity, oversight and interoperability of counter-terrorism laws, as well as amendments to the Intelligence Services Act 2001 to allow the Committee to undertake further reviews of the powers prior to their extended sunset period. The Intelligence and Security Committee Chair, Senator James Paterson said the extension of these counter-terrorism powers will help protect Australians from the evolving threat of terrorism. ‘The committee has assessed the use and effectiveness of these powers and has found they will continue to provide law enforcement the tools they need to counter the threat of terrorism. Eighteen potential or imminent terrorist attacks have been disrupted by law enforcement and security agencies since 2014 thanks to powers just like these,’ Senator Paterson said. Further information on the inquiry as well as a copy of the report can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media enquiries Chair, Senator James Paterson via Deborah Seccombe on 0451 255 891 or deborah.seccombe@aph.gov.au. For background information Committee Secretariat (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page. 

The Intelligence and Security Committee has recommended the government consider listing Hamas in its entirety as a terrorist organisation.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 14 October 2021

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has recommended the government consider listing Hamas in its entirety as a terrorist organisation. The PJCIS today tabled its report on the Review of the relisting of five organisations as terrorist organisations under the Criminal Code. This review considered the relisting of al-Shabaab, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Hamas’ Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). While the Committee supported the relisting of all these organisations under the Criminal Code it has gone a step further, recommending the government expand the listing of Hamas’ Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades to include the whole organisation of Hamas. The Committee made a similar recommendation in June 2021 in its Report on the review of the relisting of Hizballah’s External Security Organisation as a terrorist organisation under the Criminal Code that the listing of Hizballah’s External Security Organisation be expanded to the whole organisation of Hizballah. Committee Chair Senator James Paterson, said that it was clear from evidence received during this review that the whole organisation of Hamas met the definition of a terrorist organisation under the Criminal Code. 'Currently, the US, Canada and the EU list the whole organisation of Hamas as a terrorist organisation under their respective proscription regimes. 'The expert evidence provided to the committee overwhelmingly rejected the idea that Hamas’ Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades operates independently from the rest of the organisation. There was agreement that Hamas operates as a singular entity with overlapping personnel, finances and structure. In addition, leaders of Hamas have repeatedly made statements which meet the advocacy test for terrorist listing, including direct incitement of acts of violence against Jewish people,' Senator Paterson said. Further information on the inquiry as well as a copy of the report can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media enquiries Chair, Senator James Paterson via Deborah Seccombe on 0451 255 891 or deborah.seccombe@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) will hold a public hearing tomorrow examining the relisting of Hamas’ Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades as part of its larger Review into the relisting of five organisations as terrorist organisations under the Criminal Code.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 30 September 2021

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) will hold a public hearing tomorrow examining the relisting of Hamas’ Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades as part of its larger Review into the relisting of five organisations as terrorist organisations under the Criminal Code. Hamas’ Izz al-Din al Qassam Brigades are the paramilitary wing of Hamas and have been listed as a terrorist organisation by the Government since 2003. The Committee will hear from experts on Hamas as well as from Government agencies such as the Department of Home Affairs and ASIO. Chair of the Committee, Senator James Paterson, said evidence presented to the committee by experts would help determine whether the listing of Hamas’ Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades should be widened to include the entirety of Hamas, which is not currently captured. “The committee has not hesitated in the past to recommend broadening terrorist listings if we believe the evidence supports doing so, for example with Hezbollah. We will carefully consider the case for listing all of Hamas as a terrorist organisation rather than just its paramilitary wing,” Senator Paterson said. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Public Hearing Details Friday, 1 October 2021 10:00AM – 1:00PM (AEST) Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra A program for the hearing can be found here and the hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live Media inquiries: Chair, Senator James Paterson via Deborah Seccombe on 0451 255 891 or deborah.seccombe@aph.gov.au For background information:  Committee Secretariat (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has backed the passage of urgent reforms as part of a proposed two-step approach to protect Australia’s critical infrastructure from cyber threats.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 29 September 2021

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has backed the passage of urgent reforms as part of a proposed two-step approach to protect Australia’s critical infrastructure from cyber threats.  In its Advisory report on the Security Legislation Amendment (Critical Infrastructure) Bill 2020 and Statutory Review of the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018 tabled today, the Committee has recommended that emergency powers be swiftly legislated in a standalone bill, with a second, separate bill to be introduced following further consultation. This recommended two-step approach will enable the quick passage of laws to counter looming threats against Australia’s critical infrastructure, while giving businesses and government additional time to co-design the most effective regulatory framework to ensure long-term security of our critical infrastructure. The PJCIS has made 14 recommendations in relation to the Bill, including proposing a split in the current proposed framework into two amended Bills: Bill One for rapid passage – to expand the critical infrastructure sectors covered by the Act, introduce government assistance measures to be used as a last resort in crisis scenarios as well as mandatory reporting obligations; and Bill Two for further consultation – including declarations of systems of national significance, enhanced cyber-security obligations and positive security obligations which are to be defined in delegated legislation Chair of the Committee, Senator James Paterson, said: “The Committee received compelling evidence that the complexity and frequency of cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure is increasing globally. Australia is not immune and there is clear recognition from government and industry that we need to do more to protect our nation against sophisticated cyber threats, particularly against our critical infrastructure. “However, as the regulatory framework is still undergoing co-design with each of the eleven sectors and will not be finalised until after passage of the bill, many businesses have expressed concern about this uncertainty and asked for the entire bill to be paused in the current economic climate. “While sympathetic to the concerns of industry leaders, the Committee does not believe that pausing the entire bill is in Australia’s national interests given the immediate cyber threats that our nation faces. “The Committee’s recommended solution allows for the urgent measures to pass now to equip the government with the emergency powers it needs while allowing additional time for co-design to overcome the concerns of industry about the regulatory impact. “The passage of both bills is essential because cyber-security is not just the government’s job. Industry has a role to play too and the second bill which imposes obligations on businesses is an important part of a comprehensive response to the serious challenges we face,” Senator Paterson said. Further information on the inquiry as well as a copy of the report can be obtained from the inquiry website. Media inquiries: Chair, Senator James Paterson via Deborah Seccombe on 0451 255 891 or deborah.seccombe@aph.gov.au For background information:  Committee Secretariat (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has recommended the Parliament pass with amendments a new Extended Supervision Order (ESO) scheme and interim supervision orders to better protect Australians from high-risk terrorist offenders (HRTO) who are due to be released into community after serving their custodial sentence.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 16 September 2021

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has recommended the Parliament pass with amendments a new Extended Supervision Order (ESO) scheme and interim supervision orders to better protect Australians from high-risk terrorist offenders (HRTO) who are due to be released into community after serving their custodial sentence. In its Advisory report on the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (High Risk Terrorist Offenders) Bill 2020 tabled on Thursday, the PJCIS made 11 recommendations in relation to the Bill, including recommendations to improve clarity and guidance on the operation of the scheme. The new ESO scheme would address the current interoperability between control orders and continuing detention orders by enabling a State or Territory Supreme Court to impose any conditions that are reasonably necessary, and reasonably appropriate and adapted, to protect the community from the risk of a serious terrorism offence. The Bill has been introduced to broaden the tools available to address the risk posed by convicted terrorist offenders and strengthen Australia’s counter-terrorism framework. There are currently a number of convicted terrorists due to be released into the Australian community between now and the expiry of their custodial sentences in 2025. Chair of the Committee, Senator James Paterson, said: “The Committee recognises that many high-risk terrorist offenders who are due to be released from prison may still pose an unacceptable risk to the community. “The new Extended Supervision Order scheme and interim supervision orders will give law enforcement the tools to manage and monitor the ongoing threat that a terrorist offender may pose to the community following their release from jail,” Senator Paterson said. Australia’s Terrorism Threat Level was raised to ‘Probable’ in September 2014. Social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic and increased access to online material has increased the reach of extremist propaganda. “An ESO scheme will enable law enforcement to tailor orders proportionate to the threat of each offender and should be swiftly passed by the parliament,” Senator Paterson said. Further information on the inquiry as well as a copy of the report can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries: Chair, Senator James Paterson via Deborah Seccombe on 0451 255 891 or deborah.seccombe@aph.gov.au For background information:  Committee Secretariat (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has tabled its Annual Report of Committee Activities 2020-2021 and made five recommendations to improve the framework within which it performs its oversight functions of national security and intelligence matters.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 14 September 2021

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has tabled its Annual Report of Committee Activities 2020-2021 and made five recommendations to improve the framework within which it performs its oversight functions of national security and intelligence matters. During the 2020-2021 year the Committee undertook 26 inquiries and tabled 13 reports. Chair of the Committee, Senator James Paterson said: “The national security challenges facing Australia are unprecedented. The Committee has the greatest workload it has ever faced as the challenges of foreign interference, espionage, terrorism and cyber security remain.” Senator Paterson said: “Members of the PJCIS take seriously their important responsibilities ensuring accountability and providing oversight of our security and intelligence agencies, as well as making sure the dedicated men and women of the national intelligence community are well-equipped to respond to the challenges Australia faces.” The Committee has recommended reviewing the Intelligence Services Act 2001 which binds the Committee at the commencement of the next parliament to ensure it remains fit for purpose and allows the committee to complete its work in a timely and efficient manner. Further information on the functions and role of the Committee as well as a copy of the report can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries: Chair, Senator James Paterson via Deborah Seccombe on 0451 255 891 or deborah.seccombe@aph.gov.au For background information:  Committee Secretariat (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

PJCIS to hold public hearing tomorrow as part of review into Migration and Citizenship Legislation Amendment (Strengthening Information Provisions) Bill 2020.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 26 August 2021

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) will be holding a public hearing tomorrow as part of its review into the Migration and Citizenship Legislation Amendment (Strengthening Information Provisions) Bill 2020. The Migration and Citizenship Legislation Amendment (Strengthening Information Provisions) Bill 2020 amends both the Migration Act 1958 and the Australian Citizenship Act 2007. The Bill amends the Migration Act to safeguard protected information provided by gazetted intelligence and law enforcement agencies to refuse or cancel a visa on character grounds, or revoke or set aside such decisions (Protected Information). Chair of the Committee, Senator James Paterson said: ‘The Committee will hear from various Government and non-government witnesses on the importance of safeguarding protected information where it is in the public interest while balancing the need for transparency.’ Public hearing details Friday, 27 August 2021 9:30 am—2 pm (AEST) Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra A program for the hearing can be found on the committee website Due to COVID-19 restrictions, teleconference and video conference facilities will be used to connect witnesses to Committee Members. The hearings will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live Media enquiries Chair, Senator James Paterson via Deborah Seccombe, 0451 255 891 or deborah.seccombe@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, (02) 6277 2360 or pjcis@aph.gov.au. For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

PJCIS concludes review into the Foreign Intelligence Legislation Amendment Bill 2021 and recommends its passage with amendments.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 25 August 2021

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has concluded a review into the Foreign Intelligence Legislation Amendment Bill 2021 and recommends its passage with amendments. The PJCIS made three recommendations in relation to the Bill, including to improve oversight and accountability of foreign intelligence gathering. The proposed legislation addresses unintended gaps in Australia’s foreign intelligence collection to ensure that we have the best visibility possible of potential threats to Australia and our security. The Bill will restore intelligence agencies’ ability to collect intelligence about foreign threats to Australia in line with the original intent of the parliament which has been impacted by technological change. The Bill also responds to a recommendation in the comprehensive review of intelligence by Dennis Richardson to close a gap in Australia’s foreign intelligence collection framework which permits collection on Australians acting on behalf of foreign powers while they are offshore but not onshore. Chair of the Committee, Senator James Paterson said, ‘The capability to gather foreign intelligence is a key component of the Australian Government’s ability to protect Australians and safeguard our national interest. It is vital we ensure it remains operationally effective in the modern era.’ Further information on the inquiry as well as a copy of the report can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media enquiries Chair, Senator James Paterson via Deborah Seccombe on 0451 255 891 or deborah.seccombe@aph.gov.au. For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has today tabled its report by statement on the review of the re-listing of Jama’at Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) and listing of Neo-Jama’at Mujahideen Bangladesh (Neo-JMB) as terrorist organisations under the Criminal Code Act 1995.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 10 August 2021

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has today tabled its report by statement on the review of the re-listing of Jama’at Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) and listing of Neo-Jama’at Mujahideen Bangladesh (Neo-JMB) as terrorist organisations under the Criminal Code Act 1995. Jama’at Mujahideen Bangladesh is a Bangladeshi Sunni violent extremist group whose ideology broadly aligns with al-Qa’ida’s global jihadist ideals. Neo-Jama’at Mujahideen Bangladesh was first listed as an alias of Jama’at Mujahideen Bangladesh under Division 102 of the Criminal Code on 9 June 2018 and is now considered to be an organisation that operates independently of Jama’at Mujahideen Bangladesh. The Committee’s report by statement acknowledges that the appropriate processes have been followed and the conclusion that JMB and Neo-JMB meet the definition of a terrorist organisation under the Criminal Code. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries: Chair, Senator James Paterson via Deborah Seccombe on 0451 255 891 or deborah.seccombe@aph.gov.au For background information:  Committee Secretariat (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review into the operation, effectiveness and implications of the Counter-Terrorism (Temporary Exclusion Orders) Act 2019.

Media release issue date: Friday, 6 August 2021

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review into the operation, effectiveness and implications of the Counter-Terrorism (Temporary Exclusion Orders) Act 2019. The Temporary Exclusion Order scheme was introduced in 2019 to provide greater control over Australians returning from overseas who are of counter-terrorism interest including foreign fighters. A TEO may be issued where an individual returns to Australia without a return permit, which enables conditions to be imposed on an individual pre-entry and post-entry, and where one of the following conditions are satisfied: The Minister suspects on reasonable grounds that making the order would address a terrorist threat; or The individual has been assessed by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation to be a direct or indirect risk to security for reasons related to politically motivated violence. The Committee requests submissions to the inquiry by Monday 29 November 2021. Prospective submitters are advised that any submission to the Committee’s inquiry must be prepared solely for the inquiry and should not be published prior to being accepted by the Committee. Further information about making a submission to a committee inquiry can be found at the following link. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries: Chair, Senator James Paterson via Deborah Seccombe, 0451 255 891 or deborah.seccombe@aph.gov.au For background information:  Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, (02) 6277 2360 or pjcis@aph.gov.au. For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced its review into the operation, effectiveness and implications of the Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme Act 2018.

Media release issue date: Friday, 6 August 2021

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced its review into the operation, effectiveness and implications of the Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme Act 2018. The Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme was introduced in 2018 with the purpose of bringing transparency to activities undertaken on behalf of foreign principals, particularly where those activities are intended to influence Australian political and governmental systems and processes. The Scheme also imposes obligations on former politicians and senior officials, and criminal penalties apply to those who fail to comply with the requirements of the Scheme. The Committee requests submissions to the inquiry by Monday 29 November 2021. Prospective submitters are advised that any submission to the Committee’s inquiry must be prepared solely for the inquiry and should not be published prior to being accepted by the Committee. Further information about making a submission to a committee inquiry can be found at the following link. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries: Chair, Senator James Paterson via Deborah Seccombe, 0451 255 891 or deborah.seccombe@aph.gov.au For background information:  Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, (02) 6277 2360 or pjcis@aph.gov.au. For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has recommended the Parliament pass three new warrant powers to help law enforcement agencies combat online crime, with amendments.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 5 August 2021

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has recommended the Parliament pass three new warrant powers to help law enforcement agencies combat online crime, with amendments. In its Advisory report on the Surveillance Legislation Amendment (Identify and Disrupt) Bill 2020 tabled late Thursday, the PJCIS made 34 recommendations in relation to the Bill, including recommendations to improve oversight and accountability of intelligence functions. The three new powers are: a data disruption warrant which enables the AFP and the ACIC to access data on one or more computers and perform disruption activities for the purpose of frustrating the commission of criminal activity; a network activity warrant to enable the AFP and the ACIC to collect intelligence on criminal networks operating online; and an account takeover warrant to allow AFP and the ACIC to takeover a person's online account for the purposes of gathering evidence of criminal activity. The Bill has been introduced in response to growing technological advancement that challenges the ability of our law enforcement and intelligence bodies to combat serious human trafficking, drug crime, child sexual abuse and terrorism. Chair of the Committee, Senator James Paterson said: “It is no exaggeration to state that, particularly during the COVID pandemic, online crime has reached an all-time high. Evidence from the AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw informed the Committee that the AFP had seen a worrying rise in traffic to the dark web, including 168 per cent more child abuse material and identified during the first quarter of 2020 as opposed to the same period in 2019.” “The new warrants will give our law enforcement agencies effective powers to enable swift and decisive action against the rising challenge of serious online crime,” Senator Paterson said. “However the Committee also recommends increased oversight, more prescription in the offences the warrants are able to target and a more robust authorisation process for the warrants to give the community confidence they will only used for their intended purpose,” Senator Paterson said. Further information on the inquiry as well as a copy of the report can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries: Chair, Senator James Paterson via Deborah Seccombe on 0451 255 891 or deborah.seccombe@aph.gov.au For background information:  Committee Secretariat (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee will hold its fourth public hearing tomorrow as part of its Review of the Security Legislation Amendment (Critical Infrastructure) Bill 2020 and Statutory Review of the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 28 July 2021

The Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee will hold its fourth public hearing tomorrow as part of its Review of the Security Legislation Amendment (Critical Infrastructure) Bill 2020 and Statutory Review of the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018. The Committee will hear from the Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) at a recall hearing to address evidence presented by industry and subject matter experts from previous hearings and in further submissions received to the inquiry. Senator James Paterson, Chair of the committee, said ‘The committee has heard from a wide range of independent experts and entities proposed for regulation by the Bill and the existing regime. “The Committee has heard important evidence, not just on how these laws may impact critical infrastructure service providers and their customers, but also on the scale of the cyber threat from both criminal and state actors.” “Committee members will seek the feedback of the Department and ASD to that evidence to assist us in formulating our report and recommendations.” Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Public Hearing Details Thursday, 29 July 2021 2.00PM – 5.00PM (AEST) Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra and via videoconference A program for the hearing is available on the Committee’s website and the hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live. Media inquiries: Chair, Senator James Paterson via Deborah Seccombe, 0451 255 891 or deborah.seccombe@aph.gov.au For background information:  Please contact the Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee will hold two days of public hearings on Thursday 8 and Friday 9 July as part of its Review of the Security Legislation Amendment (Critical Infrastructure) Bill 2020 and Statutory Review of Security of Critical Infrastructure Act.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 7 July 2021

The Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee will hold two days of public hearings on Thursday 8 and Friday 9 July as part of its Review of the Security Legislation Amendment (Critical Infrastructure) Bill 2020 and Statutory Review of the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018. The Committee will hear from a selected range of industry, union and expert representatives that have engaged with the Committee for its review. Opening statements have been received from some witnesses and can be accessed as supplementary submissions. Senator James Paterson, Chair of the Committee, said ‘It is vital that we hear from the companies and industries affected by the proposed framework under the Bill, to ensure that the serious cyber security risks we face can be met effectively with the lowest possible regulatory burden and cost to consumers.’ Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Public hearings details Thursday 8 and Friday 9 July 2021 9:30 am–5:00 pm (AEST) Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra and via videoconference Programs for the hearings are available on the committee’s website and the hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live. Media enquiries Chair, Senator James Paterson via Deborah Seccombe, 0451 255 891 or deborah.seccombe@aph.gov.au For background information Please contact the Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has recommended the Federal government consider listing Hizballah in its entirety as a terrorist organisation.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 22 June 2021

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has recommended the Federal government consider listing Hizballah in its entirety as a terrorist organisation. The PJCIS today tabled its report on the Review of the re-listing of Hizballah’s External Security Organisation as a terrorist organisation under the Criminal Code. While the committee supported the relisting of Hizballah’s External Security Organisation (ESO) under the Criminal Code it has also recommended that the government consider expanding the listing to include the whole organisation of Hizballah. Committee Chair Senator James Paterson, said that the committee is supportive of the government’s decision to relist Hizballah’s ESO but is concerned that Australia is falling behind its Five Eyes partners and many other countries. The US, Canada and more recently the UK have listed the entire Hizballah organisation as a terrorist group while New Zealand has proscribed Hizballah’s military wing as a terrorist group. “The evidence provided to the committee was overwhelmingly supportive of proscribing Hizballah in its entirety as a terrorist organisation, rather than only the ESO. On the strength of this evidence, the committee thinks it’s time for the government to consider expanding the listing as all of our Five Eyes partners have done,” Senator Paterson said. Deputy Chair Mr Anthony Byrne MP concurred, “It’s clear that the distinction drawn between the ESO and the rest of Hizballah is arbitrary, and in the committee’s judgement, not something Australia should persist with.” Further information on the inquiry as well as a copy of the report can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries: Chair, Senator James Paterson via Deborah Seccombe on 0451 255 891 or deborah.seccombe@aph.gov.au For background information:  Committee Secretariat (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review of the re-listing of Jama’at Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) and listing of Neo-Jama’at Mujahideen Bangladesh (Neo-JMB) as terrorist organisations under the Criminal Code Act 1995 (the Criminal Code).

Media release issue date: Thursday, 17 June 2021

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review of the re-listing of Jama’at Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) and listing of Neo-Jama’at Mujahideen Bangladesh (Neo-JMB) as terrorist organisations under the Criminal Code Act 1995 (the Criminal Code). Jama’at Mujahideen Bangladesh is a Bangladeshi Sunni violent extremist group whose ideology broadly aligns with al-Qa’ida’s global jihadist ideals. Neo-Jama’at Mujahideen Bangladesh was first listed as an alias of Jama’at Mujahideen Bangladesh under Division 102 of the Criminal Code on 9 June 2018 and is now considered to be an organisation that operates independently of Jama’at Mujahideen Bangladesh. Under section 102.1A of the Criminal Code, the Committee may review listings of terrorist organisations and report its findings to each house of the Parliament within the 15 sitting day disallowance period. Members of the public are welcome to make submissions to this review. Submissions should be provided no later than 5pm on Friday, 2 July 2021. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries: Chair, Senator James Paterson via Deborah Seccombe on 0451 255 891 or deborah.seccombe@aph.gov.au For background information:  Committee Secretariat (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee will hold the first of a number of public hearings tomorrow as part of its Review of the Security Legislation Amendment (Critical Infrastructure) Bill 2020 and Statutory Review of the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 9 June 2021

The Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee will hold the first of a number of public hearings tomorrow as part of its Review of the Security Legislation Amendment (Critical Infrastructure) Bill 2020 and Statutory Review of the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018. The Committee will hear from the Law Council of Australia, Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, Commonwealth Ombudsman, Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner, Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, and the Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Signals Directorate. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Public Hearing Details Friday, 11 June 2021 9.30AM – 3:30PM (AEST) Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra A program for the hearing can be found here and the hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live. Media inquiries: Chair, Senator James Paterson via Deborah Seccombe, 0451 255 891 or deborah.seccombe@aph.gov.au For background information: Please contact the Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) will hold a public hearing tomorrow for its Review of the re-listing of Hizballah’s External Security Organisation as a terrorist organisation under the Criminal Code.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 9 June 2021

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) will hold a public hearing tomorrow for its Review of the re-listing of Hizballah’s External Security Organisation as a terrorist organisation under the Criminal Code. The Committee will hear from the Government agencies such as the Department of Home Affairs, ASIO and the Australian Government Solicitor. It will also hear evidence from community groups and experts on Hizballah. Chair of the Committee, Senator James Paterson, said that public hearings on these re-listings are an important part of the PJCIS’s oversight functions. “The decision to list or not list an entity as a terrorist organisation is significant, and parliamentary scrutiny of these decisions is crucial,” he said. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Public Hearing Details Thursday, 10 June 2021 9:30AM – 2:30PM (AEST) Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra A program for the hearing can be found here and the hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live Media inquiries: Chair, Senator James Paterson via Deborah Seccombe on 0451 255 891 or deborah.seccombe@aph.gov.au For background information:  Committee Secretariat (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review into the Migration and Citizenship Legislation Amendment (Strengthening Information Provisions) Bill 2020. The bill review was referred to the Committee by the Hon Alex Hawke MP, Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs

Media release issue date: Monday, 24 May 2021

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review into the Migration and Citizenship Legislation Amendment (Strengthening Information Provisions) Bill 2020. The bill review was referred to the Committee by the Hon Alex Hawke MP, Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs The Migration and Citizenship Legislation Amendment (Strengthening Information Provisions) Bill 2020 amends both the Migration Act 1958 and the Australian Citizenship Act 2007. The Bill amends the Migration Act to protect disclosure of confidential information provided by gazetted intelligence and law enforcement agencies where the information is used for decisions made to refuse or cancel a visa on character grounds, or revoke or set aside such decisions (Protected Information). The Bill amends the Migration Act to introduce a Protected Information framework, which will: provide that the High Court, the Federal Court or the Federal Circuit Court of Australia (the Federal Circuit Court) may order the Minister to produce or give in evidence Protected Information where the Court is satisfied that it is Protected Information and the production of it is for the purposes of substantive proceedings related to a decision to refuse or cancel a visa on character grounds, or revoke or set aside such a decision. The Bill also amends the Citizenship Act to introduce provisions in order to protect Protected Information where the information is used for decision such as: decisions to refuse to approve an application for citizenship; to cease a person’s Australian citizenship if the person has engaged in specified conduct; to make a determination by the Minister to cease a person’s Australian citizenship if the person has been convicted of a specified offence (and sentenced to at least 3 years’ imprisonment); renunciations of citizenship by conduct; and, cessation of citizenship for service outside Australia in armed forces of an enemy country or a declared terrorist organisation. Chair of the Committee, Senator James Paterson said that “The Committee will be interested to hear from various Government and non-government submitters on the importance of protecting certain information as well as the balance between such protection and transparent government.” The Committee requests submissions to the inquiry by 4pm, Friday 25 June 2021. Prospective submitters are advised that any submission to the Committee’s inquiry must be prepared solely for the inquiry and should not be published prior to being accepted by the Committee. Further information about making a submission to a committee inquiry can be found at the following link. Media inquiries Chair, Senator James Paterson via Deborah Seccombe, 0451 255 891 or deborah.seccombe@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, (02) 6277 2360 or pjcis@aph.gov.au. For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website here. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee will hold a public hearing tomorrow as part of its Review of Part 14 of the Telecommunications Act 1997 – Telecommunications Sector Security Reforms.

Media release issue date: Monday, 17 May 2021

The Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee will hold a public hearing tomorrow as part of its Review of Part 14 of the Telecommunications Act 1997 – Telecommunications Sector Security Reforms. The Committee will hear from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications, Communications Alliance, Cyber Security CRC, Telstra, Optus, and the Department of Home Affairs. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Public Hearing Details Thursday, 20 May 2021 10.15AM – 3:30PM (AEST) Committee Room 2S3, Parliament House, Canberra A program for the hearing can be found on the Committee's website and the hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live. Media inquiries: Chair, Senator James Paterson via Deborah Seccombe, 0451 255 891 or deborah.seccombe@aph.gov.au For background information: Please contact the Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security tabled its report on Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (International Production Orders) Bill 2020 today.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 12 May 2021

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security tabled its report on Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (International Production Orders) Bill 2020 today. The Committee recommended that, following the implementation of the recommendations in its report, the IPO Bill 2020 be passed by Parliament. The Chair, Senator James Paterson, said “An international production orders scheme will provide Australia’s law enforcement agencies and ASIO with much faster access to evidence during the investigation and prosecution of serious crimes, a vital power in an increasingly digital world where much evidence is located offshore.” “The Committee’s recommendations seek to provide necessary assurances that any international agreement that Australia enters into under the provisions in the Bill are necessary, proportionate and subject to appropriate oversight.” Senator Paterson said. The Committee recommended that the Bill contain a list of conditions governing designated international agreements, including on the non-use of the death penalty on Australian-sourced information, as well as the conditions a foreign country must meet prior to Australia negotiating a designated international agreement. In addition, the Committee recommended that the authority to apply for an international production order be confined to senior officers in the relevant law enforcement agencies and ASIO. The Committee also made a number of recommendations to enhance oversight of the powers. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries: Chair, Senator James Paterson via Deborah Seccombe, 0451 255 891 or deborah.seccombe@aph.gov.au For background information:  Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, (02) 6277 2360 or pjcis@aph.gov.au. For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review of the re-listing of Hizballah’s External Security Organisation as a terrorist organisation under the Criminal Code Act 1995 (the Criminal Code).

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 12 May 2021

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review of the re-listing of Hizballah’s External Security Organisation as a terrorist organisation under the Criminal Code Act 1995 (the Criminal Code). Hizballah’s External Security Organisation is an entity within Hizballah responsible for various activities including intelligence, surveillance, planning and executing terrorist acts against Hizballah’s enemies outside of Lebanon. Its operations are generally clandestine activities targeting United States and Israeli interests in the Middle East. Under section 102.1A of the Criminal Code, the Committee may review listings of terrorist organisations and report its findings to each house of the Parliament within the 15 sitting day disallowance period. Members of the public are welcome to make submissions to this review. Submissions should be provided no later than 5pm on Wednesday, 26 May 2021. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries: Chair, Senator James Paterson via Deborah Seccombe on 0451 255 891 or deborah.seccombe@aph.gov.au For background information:  Committee Secretariat (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee will hold a public hearing tomorrow as part of its Review of the Intelligence Oversight and Other Legislation Amendment (Integrity Measures) Bill 2020.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 5 May 2021

The Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee will hold a public hearing tomorrow as part of its Review of the Intelligence Oversight and Other Legislation Amendment (Integrity Measures) Bill 2020. The Committee will hear from Dr Kieran Hardy, Professor George Williams AO, the Law Council of Australia, the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, the Commonwealth Ombudsman, the Attorney-General’s Department and the Department of Home Affairs. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Public hearing details: Thursday, 6 May 2021 10:00am - 3:00pm Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra A program for the hearing can be found here and the hearing will be broadcast live on the Parliament of Australia website. Media enquiries: Chair, Senator James Paterson via Deborah Seccombe 0451 255 891 deborah.seccombe@aph.gov.au For background information:  Please contact the Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security will hold two public hearings this week for its Inquiry into extremist movements and radicalism in Australia.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 28 April 2021

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security will hold two public hearings this week for its Inquiry into extremist movements and radicalism in Australia. Various Government agencies and organisations will speak at the hearing on Thursday while the Friday hearing will hear from civil society groups, academics, and tech companies. Committee Chair Senator James Paterson stated 'These hearings will provide the Committee with a solid base of evidence to this Inquiry. The Committee is looking forward to discussing this significant national security topic with some of the leading experts in the field of extremism and radicalisation.' Due to COVID-19 restrictions, teleconference and video conference facilities will be used to connect witnesses to Committee Members. The hearings will be broadcast live on the Watch Parliament website. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Public Hearing Details: Thursday, 29 April 2021 10.00AM – 4.00PM (AEST) Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra Friday, 30 April 2021 10.00AM – 4.30PM (AEST) Committee Room 2S1, Parliament House, Canberra Programs for both hearings can be found on the Committee's website. Media Inquiries: Chair, Senator James Paterson via Deborah Seccombe 0451 255 891 deborah.seccombe@aph.gov.au For Background Information:   Committee Secretariat Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security 02 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review of the listing of Sonnenkrieg Division as a terrorist organisation under the Criminal Code Act 1995 (the Criminal Code).

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 30 March 2021

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review of the listing of Sonnenkrieg Division as a terrorist organisation under the Criminal Code Act 1995 (the Criminal Code). The organisation that has been listed, Sonnenkrieg Division, is a United Kingdom (UK) based extreme right-wing organisation that formed in 2018 as a splinter group of System Resistance Network (another proscribed terrorist organisation in the UK). Sonnenkrieg Division is an extreme right-wing organisation that adheres to a violent white-supremacist ideology inspired by the Nazi Party and the Satanic ‘Order of Nine Angles’ movement. Under section 102.1A of the Criminal Code, the Committee may review listings of terrorist organisations and report its findings to each house of the Parliament within the 15 sitting day disallowance period. Members of the public are welcome to make submissions to this review. Submissions should be provided no later than 5pm Wednesday, 14 April 2020. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries: Chair, Senator James Paterson via Deborah Seccombe on 0451 255 891 or Deborah.Seccombe@aph.gov.au For background information:  Committee Secretariat (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) will hold a public hearing this week for its Inquiry into national security risks affecting the Australian higher education and research sector.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 18 March 2021

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) will hold a public hearing this week for its Inquiry into national security risks affecting the Australian higher education and research sector. Public Hearing Details Friday, 19 March 2021 8.00AM – 4.30PM (AEST) Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra A program for the hearing can be found on the Committee's website. Committee Chair Senator James Paterson stated “This second hearing will focus on the university and research sector. This inquiry will seek to identify best practice from leading  universities to encourage the rest of the sector to follow and also scrutinise ongoing poor practices at some institutions.” Due to COVID-19 restrictions, teleconference and video conference facilities may be used to connect witnesses to Committee Members. The hearings will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media Inquiries: Chair, Senator James Paterson via David Kitchen, 0413 840110 or david.kitchen@aph.gov.au For Background Information:  Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, (02) 6277 2360 or pjcis@aph.gov.au. For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review of the re-listing of Jaish-e-Mohammad as a terrorist organisation under the Criminal Code Act 1995 (the Criminal Code).

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 17 March 2021

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review of the re-listing of Jaish-e-Mohammad as a terrorist organisation under the Criminal Code Act 1995 (the Criminal Code). The organisation that has been re-listed, Jaish-e-Mohammad, is a Pakistan based Sunni Islamist extremist organisation that is primarily active in the Indian-administered regions of Jammu and Kashmir. Its primary objective is to force the withdrawal of Indian security forces in the region with a goal of placing Jammu and Kashmir under Pakistani control. Under section 102.1A of the Criminal Code, the Committee may review listings of terrorist organisations and report its findings to each house of the Parliament within the 15 sitting day disallowance period. Members of the public are welcome to make submissions to this review. Submissions should be provided no later than 5pm Wednesday, 31 March 2020. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries: Chair, Senator James Paterson via David Kitchen on 0413 840 110 or David.Kitchen@aph.gov.au For background information:  Committee Secretariat (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security will hold a public hearing this week for its Inquiry into national security risks affecting the Australian higher education and research sector.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 9 March 2021

  The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) will hold a public hearing this week for its Inquiry into national security risks affecting the Australian higher education and research sector. Public hearing details Thursday, 11 March 2021 10.15 am–4.15 pm (AEDT) Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra A program for the hearing can be found on the committee’s website. Committee Chair Senator James Paterson stated ‘This first hearing will focus on the concerns held about national security risks in the higher education and research sector and will set the scene for the Committee’s further considerations of possible policy solutions to these problems.’ Due to COVID-19 restrictions, teleconference and video conference facilities may be used to connect witnesses to Committee Members. The hearings will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media enquiries Chair, Senator James Paterson via Sophie McKendry, Media Advisor on 0451 007 915 or Sophie.McKendry@aph.gov.au. Background information Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, (02) 6277 2360 or pjcis@aph.gov.au. For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security will hold a public hearing this week for its Review of the Surveillance Legislation Amendment (Identify and Disrupt) Bill 2020.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 9 March 2021

  The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) will hold a public hearing this week for its Review of the Surveillance Legislation Amendment (Identify and Disrupt) Bill 2020. The Bill review was requested by the Minister for Home Affairs in a letter to the Committee. Public hearing details Wednesday, 10 March 2021 10 am–5 pm (AEST) Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra A program for the hearing can be found on the committee’s website. Committee Chair Senator James Paterson stated ‘The committee will consider three new powers proposed in the Bill for the AFP and the ACIC. They are: Data disruption warrants to enable the AFP and the ACIC to disrupt data by modifying, adding, copying or deleting in order to frustrate the commission of serious offences online Network activity warrants to allow agencies to collect intelligence on serious criminal activity being conducted by criminal networks, and Account takeover warrants to provide the AFP and the ACIC with the ability to take control of a person’s online account for the purposes of gathering evidence to further a criminal investigation.’ Due to COVID-19 restrictions, teleconference and video conference facilities may be used to connect witnesses to Committee Members. The hearings will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media enquiries Chair, Senator James Paterson via Sophie McKendry, Media Advisor on 0451 007 915 or Sophie.McKendry@aph.gov.au. Background information Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, (02) 6277 2360 or pjcis@aph.gov.au. For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review into the Security Legislation Amendment (Critical Infrastructure) Bill 2020.

Media release issue date: Monday, 21 December 2020

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review into the Security Legislation Amendment (Critical Infrastructure) Bill 2020. The bill review was referred to the Committee by the Hon Christian Porter MP, Attorney-General. As part of the referral, the Attorney-General suggested that the Committee also launch the review of the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018(the Act), required by section 60A of that Act, at the same time. The Committee has agreed to undertake both reviews simultaneously, as the Bill amends the Act to be reviewed. The Bill is introduced to amend and build on the existing regulatory regime created by the the Act, to enhance security and resilience of critical infrastructure assets and systems of national significance. Expansion of the concepts to include systems of national significance is intended to widen the regime to address threats such as natural disasters and cyber-attacks. The Bill seeks to achieve this expansion by amending the Act to: identify critical infrastructure assets across 11 industry sectors (increased from the current 4 sectors); establish positive security obligations for critical infrastructure assets, including to adopt and maintain a critical infrastructure risk management program (to be delivered through sector-specific requirements) and mandatory cyber incident reporting; introduce enhanced cyber security obligations to ensure Government and industry can work collaboratively to strengthen the cyber preparedness and resilience of entities that operate assets of the highest criticality to Australia's national interests (defined as systems of national significance); and provide Government with the necessary and proportionate powers to be exercised as a last resort in circumstances where a cyber security incident has, is, or is likely to impact a critical infrastructure asset and Australia's national interest. The statutory review of the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018 will analyse the operation, effectiveness and implications of the reforms introduced in the Act. As per section 60A of the Act, the review will review will: consider whether it would be appropriate to have a unified scheme that covers all infrastructure assets (including telecommunication assets) that are critical to: the social or economic stability of Australia or its people; or the defence of Australia; or national security; and review the circumstances in which any declarations have been made under Part 6 of this Act (declarations of assets by the Minister); and report the Committee’s comments and recommendations to each House of the Parliament. More information regarding the two reviews and their referral can be found at the review website. The Committee requests submissions to both reviews by Friday 12 February 2021. Submitters may wish to address both reviews in the one submission if the separation between the two scopes and interrelated elements are clearly identified in the submission. Prospective submitters are advised that any submission to the Committee’s inquiry must be prepared solely for the inquiry and should not be published prior to being accepted by the Committee. Further information about making a submission to a committee inquiry can be found at the following link. Media enquiries Chair, Mr Andrew Hastie MP (Canning, WA) 08 9534 8044 (Electorate office) 02 6277 4223 (Parliament House) For background information Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security 02 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review into the Intelligence Oversight and Other Legislation Amendment (Integrity Measures) Bill 2020. The bill review was referred to the Committee by the Hon. Christian Porter MP, Attorney-General.

Media release issue date: Monday, 21 December 2020

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review into the Intelligence Oversight and Other Legislation Amendment (Integrity Measures) Bill 2020. The bill review was referred to the Committee by the Hon. Christian Porter MP, Attorney-General. The Intelligence Oversight and Other Legislation Amendment (Integrity Measures) Bill 2020 introduces specialized intelligence oversight for additional agencies with intelligence functions in the national intelligence community. The Bill proposes to: expand the oversight of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security (IGIS) to the intelligence functions of the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission; expand the oversight of the PJCIS to the intelligence functions of AUSTRAC; and make amendments to the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security Act 1986 to improve clarity, modernise drafting expressions and remove redundant provisions, as well as amendments to address certain limitations in the IGIS’s oversight functions and powers in order to strengthen the integrity of inquiry processes. The Committee requests submissions to the inquiry by Friday 12 February 2021. Prospective submitters are advised that any submission to the Committee’s inquiry must be prepared solely for the inquiry and should not be published prior to being accepted by the Committee. Further information about making a submission to a committee inquiry can be found at the following link. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media enquiries: Chair, Mr Andrew Hastie MP (Canning, WA) 08 9534 8044 (Electorate office) 02 6277 4223 (Parliament House) For background information:  Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security 02 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security has commenced a review into the extremist movements and radicalism in Australia. The inquiry was referred to the Committee by the Hon Peter Dutton MP, Minister for Home Affairs.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 9 December 2020

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security has commenced a review into the extremist movements and radicalism in Australia. The inquiry was referred to the Committee by the Hon Peter Dutton MP, Minister for Home Affairs. A full terms of reference is available online at the Committee’s webpage. The Chair, Mr Andrew Hastie MP said “The Committee will be examining the nature and extent of, and threat posed by, extremist movements and persons holding extremist views in Australia.” The Deputy Chair, Mr Anthony Byrne MP said “The Committee will, as always, conduct this inquiry in a bi-partisan manner and with a focus on the security of all Australians.” Submissions are requested by Friday 12 February 2021. Further information about making a submission to a parliamentary committee inquiry is available here.  Further information about making a submission to a committee inquiry can be found at the following link. Media enquiries: Chair, Mr Andrew Hastie MP (Canning, WA) 08 9534 8044 (Electorate office) 02 6277 4223 (Parliament House) Deputy Chair, Mr Anthony Byrne MP (Holt, Vic) 03 8790 0556 (Electorate office) 02 6277 4309 (Parliament House) For background information:  Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security 02 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security has commenced a review into the Surveillance Legislation Amendment (Identify and Disrupt) Bill 2020. The bill review was referred to the Committee by the Hon Peter Dutton MP, Minister for Home Affairs.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 8 December 2020

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security has commenced a review into the Surveillance Legislation Amendment (Identify and Disrupt) Bill 2020. The bill review was referred to the Committee by the Hon Peter Dutton MP, Minister for Home Affairs. The Surveillance Legislation Amendment (Identify and Disrupt) Bill 2020 will amend the Surveillance Devices Act 2004, the Crimes Act 1914 and associated legislation to introduce new law enforcement powers and warrants to enhance the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC)'s ability to combat cyber-enabled serious and organised crime, including online child exploitation. The Bill introduces: a data disruption warrant which enables the AFP and the ACIC to access data on one or more computers and perform disruption activities for the purpose of frustrating the commission of criminal activity; a network activity warrant to enable the AFP and the ACIC to collect intelligence on criminal networks operating online; an account takeover warrant to allow AFP and the ACIC to takeover a person's online account the purposes of gathering evidence of criminal activity, and; minor amendments to the controlled operations regime, to ensure controlled operations can be conducted effectively in the online environment. The Committee requests submissions to the inquiry by Friday 12 February 2021. Prospective submitters are advised that any submission to the Committee’s inquiry must be prepared solely for the inquiry and should not be published prior to being accepted by the Committee. Further information about making a submission to a committee inquiry can be found at the following link. Media enquiries Chair, Mr Andrew Hastie MP (Canning, WA) 08 9534 8044 (Electorate office) 02 6277 4223 (Parliament House) For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security today tabled its advisory report on the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Amendment Bill 2020.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 3 December 2020

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security today tabled its advisory report on the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Amendment Bill 2020. The Committee recommended that, following implementation of the recommendations in its report, the ASIO Amendment Bill 2020 be passed by Parliament. The Chair of the Committee Mr Andrew Hastie MP said “The Committee made a number of recommendations. In particular and to ensure that the Committee is able to carry out its oversight role appropriately is has recommended that the Bill be amended to allow the Committee to request a written or oral briefing on any matter in relation to any questioning warrant as reported in the Annual Report prepared by the Director-General of ASIO.” “The Committee takes its oversight role extremely seriously. The powers of ASIO, or indeed any security agency, are not set and forget.“ Mr Hastie said. To provide a greater level of safety for children the Committee recommended that the Bill 2020 should be amended to require the Attorney-General to take into account the best interests of the child as a primary consideration in deciding whether to issue a minor questioning warrant In addition, the Committee recommended that: the sunsetting time is reduced from 10 to 5 years; the Committee may review the operation, effectiveness and implications of the questioning powers ahead of that sunset date; and, a legal practitioner able to be appointed as a prescribed authority must have engaged in legal practice for at least 10 years and be a Queen’s Counsel or a Senior Counsel. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media enquiries: Chair, Mr Andrew Hastie MP 08 9534 8044 (Electorate office)  02 6277 4223 (Parliament House) For Background Information:  Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au

The Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee will hold a public hearing tomorrow as part of its Review of the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (High Risk Terrorist Offenders) Bill 2020.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 12 November 2020

The Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee will hold a public hearing tomorrow as part of its review of the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (High Risk Terrorist Offenders) Bill 2020. The Committee will hear from the Law Council of Australia, the Australian Human Rights Commission, the Australian Federal Police, the Attorney-General’s Department and the Department of Home Affairs. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Public Hearing Details Date: Friday, 13 November 2020 Time: 10.30 am – 3:30 pm (AESDT) Location: Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra A program for the hearing can be found here. Due to ongoing COVID-19 requirements, teleconference and video conference facilities will be used to connect witnesses to Committee Members. The hearings will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live. Media enquiries Chair, Mr Andrew Hastie MP (Canning, WA) 08 9534 8044 (Electorate office) 02 6277 4223 (Parliament House) For background information Please contact the Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security has commenced a review of the listing and re-listing of two organisations as terrorist organisations under the Criminal Code Act 1995 (the Criminal Code).

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 11 November 2020

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security has commenced a review of the listing and re-listing of two organisations as terrorist organisations under the Criminal Code Act 1995 (the Criminal Code). The organisation that has been re-listed is Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) – an officially-recognised Islamic State (IS) affiliate that adheres to IS's global jihadist ideology and follows an extreme interpretation of Islam which is anti-Western, promotes sectarian violence and targets those who do not agree with its interpretations as infidels and apostates. The objective of IS-KP is to establish the wilayat (province) of Khorasan as part of the global caliphate of IS. Khorasan is the historic name for the region encompassing present day Afghanistan, Pakistan and Central Asia. Another organisation, Jama-at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) has been listed as a terrorist organisation under the Criminal Code for the first time. The listing of JNIM is intended to replace the listing of the terrorist organisation al-Murabitun, since merged into JNIM. JNIM is a Sunni Islamist extremist organisation based in Mali and active in West Africa. Its declared aims are to incite Muslims to oppose oppression and expel foreign and non-Muslim occupying powers – including though violence – and implement Islamic governance. The group’s leader has declared JNIM’s ultimate enemy to be ‘the enemy of the Muslims from among the Jews and the Christians’, and identified France and Western countries assisting France as more immediate adversaries. Under section 102.1A of the Criminal Code, the Committee may review listings of terrorist organisations and report its findings to each house of the Parliament within the 15 sitting day disallowance period. Members of the public are welcome to make submissions to this review. Submissions should be provided no later than 5pm Wednesday, 25 November 2020. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media enquiries Chair, Mr Andrew Hastie MP 08 9534 8044 (Electorate office) 02 6277 4223 (Parliament House) For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has received a letter from the Minister for Home Affairs agreeing to its suggested Terms of Reference for an inquiry into National Security Risks affecting the Australian higher education and research sector with a requested reporting date of July 2021.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 4 November 2020

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has received a letter from the Minister for Home Affairs agreeing to its suggested Terms of Reference for an inquiry into National Security Risks affecting the Australian higher education and research sector with a requested reporting date of July 2021. The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (the Committee) will inquire into and report on national security risks affecting the Australian higher education and research sector. In considering national security risks to the Sector the Committee specifically seeks information on: A. The prevalence, characteristics and significance of foreign interference, undisclosed foreign influence, data theft and espionage, and associated risks to Australia’s national security; B. The Sector’s awareness of foreign interference, undisclosed foreign influence, data theft and espionage, and its capacity to identify and respond to these threats; C. The adequacy and effectiveness of  Australian Government policies and programs in identifying and responding to foreign interference, undisclosed foreign influence, data theft and espionage in the Sector; D. Responses to this issue in other countries and their relevance to the Australian situation; and E. Any other related matter. A full terms of reference are available online here The Chair, Mr Andrew Hastie MP, said “We are going to examine the question of foreign interference in the Australian higher education and research sector. The Committee will engage with a wide variety of stakeholders in this sector as well as appropriate national security agencies.” Submissions are requested by 4pm, Friday 18 December 2020. Further information about making a submission to a parliamentary committee inquiry is available here. A dedicated email address has been created for this inquiry, all email correspondence including submissions should be sent to NatSecUni@aph.gov.au Further information about making a submission to a committee inquiry can be found at the following link.   Media inquiries: Chair, Mr Andrew Hastie MP (Canning, WA) on (08) 9534 8044 (Electorate office) or (02) 6277 4223 (Parliament House) For background information:  Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, (02) 6277 2360 or pjcis@aph.gov.au. For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

A new report into Australia’s mandatory data retention regime recommends the Government implement a number of changes aimed to increasing transparency.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 28 October 2020

A new report into Australia’s mandatory data retention regime recommends the Government implement a number of changes aimed to increasing transparency. Andrew Hastie, Chair of the Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee, says the report’s 22 recommendations increase transparency around the use of the mandatory data retention and increase the threshold for when data can be accessed. In addition, the committee make recommendations that reduce the currently very broad access to telecommunications data under the Telecommunications Act. ‘Our recommendations are aimed at improving mandatory data retention in a way that does not have a great effect on law enforcement and ASIO’s ability to do their very important work,’ Mr Hastie said. ‘Importantly, the committee has not recommended any change to the existing two year period of data retention.’ The report’s 22 recommendations include: access to data kept under the mandatory data retention regime will only be available under specific circumstances the Department of Home Affairs develop guidelines for data collection including an ability for enforcement agencies and Home Affairs to produce reports to oversight agencies or Parliament when requested the repeal of section 280(1)(b) of the Telecommunications Act which allows for access where ‘disclosure or use is required or authorised by or under law.’ It is the broad language in this subsection that has allowed the access that concerned the committee Mr Hastie added that the review, conducted in accordance with Section 187N of the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979, is the seventh full inquiry the Intelligence and Security Committee has completed in 2020. ‘Despite the challenges of 2020 I am pleased with the high volume of work completed by the committee,’ Mr Hastie said. ‘As the security environment continues to change, the scope and the role of the committee has expanded, as has the workload. I look forward in particular to the publication of the Richardson review, which will shape the framework of both the Australian intelligence community and its oversight bodies, including this committee.’ The full report can be read or downloaded from the committee’s website. Media inquiries: Chair, Mr Andrew Hastie MP (Canning, WA) (08) 9534 8044 (Electorate office) (02) 6277 4223 (Parliament House) For background information: Committee Secretariat Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au

The Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (High Risk Terrorist Offenders) Bill 2020 will be the subject of a new review from the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 1 October 2020

The Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (High Risk Terrorist Offenders) Bill 2020 will be the subject of a new review from the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security. The bill introduces an extended supervision order scheme and interim supervision orders for high-risk terrorist offenders where a State or Territory Supreme Court may impose any conditions (prohibitions, restrictions or obligations) that it is satisfied are reasonably necessary, and reasonably appropriate and adapted, for the purpose of protecting the community from the unacceptable risk of a serious terrorism offence. The bill contains measures recommended by the Intelligence and Security Committee during the 45th Parliament, as well as incorporating recommendations from the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor. The Committee requests submissions to the inquiry by Thursday 29 October 2020. Prospective submitters are advised that any submission to the Committee’s inquiry must be prepared solely for the inquiry and should not be published prior to being accepted by the Committee. Further information about making a submission to a committee inquiry can be found at the following link. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries: Chair, Mr Andrew Hastie MP (Canning, WA) 08 9534 8044 (Electorate office) (02) 6277 4223 (Parliament House) For background information: Please contact the Committee Secretariat (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au

A parliamentary inquiry into the counter-terrorism powers held by the Australian Federal Police will hear evidence from the Law Council of Australia and the Australian Human Rights Commission at a hearing this week.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 24 September 2020

A parliamentary inquiry into the counter-terrorism powers held by the Australian Federal Police will hear evidence from the Law Council of Australia and the Australian Human Rights Commission at a hearing this week. Chair of the Parliamentary Intelligence and Security Committee, Mr Andrew Hastie MP, says the hearing will cover the operation, effectiveness and implications of existing counter-terrorism powers held by the AFP. ‘It is vital that law enforcement is provided with appropriate powers in order to protect Australians’. In addition to the legal witnesses, the hearing will also include witnesses from the Department of Home Affairs, the Attorney General’s Department, and the Australian Federal Police. Further information on the inquiry and submissions made can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Public Hearing Details Date: Friday 25 September 2020 Time: 10.00 am – 5.00 pm Location: Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra Due to COVID-19 restrictions, teleconference and videoconference facilities will be used to connect witnesses to Committee Members. Audio of the hearings will be streamed at aph.gov.au/live. Media enquiries Chair, Mr Andrew Hastie MP (Canning, WA) 08 9534 8044 (Electorate office) 02 6277 4223 (Parliament House) For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au

A parliamentary inquiry on laws restricting entry to high-risk terrorism zones will hear evidence from the Law Council of Australia, the Australian Human Rights Commission and other expert government witnesses today.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 22 September 2020

A parliamentary inquiry on laws restricting entry to high-risk terrorism zones will hear evidence from the Law Council of Australia, the Australian Human Rights Commission and other expert government witnesses today. The hearing forms part of an Intelligence and Security Committee statutory review into sections119.2 and 119.3 of the Criminal Code which makes it an offence to enter or remain in an area declared by the Minister of Foreign Affairs. These provisions are due to expire on 7 September 2021. Committee Chair Andrew Hastie says while there are no areas currently declared, for periods between 2015 and 2017, the al Raqqa province of Syria and the Mosul district of Iraq were both declared due to the prevalence of Islamic State fighters in those regions. ‘Despite travel restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 response, terrorism remains a considerable threat to Australia, and considering these laws remains an important task for the Committee,’ Mr Hastie said. The declared areas provisions have been used both to deter Australians from travelling to foreign conflict zones, as well as to prosecute foreign fighters returning home to Australia. ‘It is important to continue to review Australia’s national security and counter-terrorism powers to ensure that we are effectively managing the ongoing security threat posed by returning foreign fighters,’ Mr Hastie said. To view a full program for the public hearing, details about the inquiry and public submissions received to date, you can visit the inquiry website. Public hearing details Date: Tuesday, 22 September 2020 Time: 11.00 am to 4.15 pm AEST Location: Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra and via teleconference The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live. Media inquiries Chair, Mr Andrew Hastie MP (Canning, WA) (08) 9534 8044 (Electorate office) (02) 6277 4223 (Parliament House) For background information Committee Secretariat (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security has commenced a review of the re-listing of Islamic State East Asia (ISEA) as a terrorist organisations under the Criminal Code Act 1995 (the Criminal Code).

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 15 September 2020

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security has commenced a review of the re-listing of Islamic State East Asia (ISEA) as a terrorist organisations under the Criminal Code Act 1995 (the Criminal Code). The Australian Government previously listed ISEA as a terrorist organisation on 12 September 2017. ISEA is affiliated with Islamic State and follows an extreme interpretation of Islam. The organisation is comprised of a number of violent extremist factions who have pledged allegiance to Islamic State and merged under the ISEA banner. Under section 102.1A of the Criminal Code, the Committee may review listings of terrorist organisations and report its findings to each house of the Parliament within the 15 sitting day disallowance period. Members of the public are welcome to make submissions to this review. Submissions should be provided no later than 5pm Monday, 28 September 2020. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media enquiries Chair, Mr Andrew Hastie MP 08 9534 8044 (Electorate office) 02 6277 4223 (Parliament House) For background information Committee Secretariat (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security has received a letter from the Minister for Home Affairs referring an inquiry into foreign interference in Australia’s universities, publicly funded research agencies and competitive research grants agencies with a requested reporting date of July 2021.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 8 September 2020

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has received a letter from the Minister for Home Affairs referring an inquiry into foreign interference in Australia’s universities, publicly funded research agencies and competitive research grants agencies with a requested reporting date of July 2021. The PJCIS recognises that this is a complex topic, and, in order to appropriately consider the issues before it, the Committee will seek private briefings from relevant agencies with a view to finalising the terms of reference, in consultation with the Minister for Home Affairs, and launch the inquiry later this month. The Chair, Mr Andrew Hastie MP, said “The Committee supports this inquiry. We will now take the opportunity to engage the relevant agencies as we refine the terms of reference. This inquiry is about transparency and accountability, so it’s important that we ask the right questions.” Media enquiries Chair, Mr Andrew Hastie MP (Canning, WA) (08) 9534 8044 (Electorate office) (02) 6277 4223 (Parliament House) For background information  Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security has commenced a statutory review of the operation of Part 14 of the Telecommunications Act 1997. The review will look at Part 14 of the Act, to the extent that it was amended by the Telecommunications and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2017—Telecommunications Sector Security Reforms.

Media release issue date: Monday, 7 September 2020

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security has commenced a statutory review of the operation of Part 14 of the Telecommunications Act 1997. The review will look at Part 14 of the Act, to the extent that it was amended by the Telecommunications and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2017—Telecommunications Sector Security Reforms. The reforms commenced on 18 September 2018 and establish a regulatory framework to manage the national security risks of espionage, sabotage and foreign interference to Australia’s telecommunications networks and facilities. Key elements of the reforms are set out on the Department of Home Affairs’ webpage. The Committee requests submissions to the inquiry by Friday, 27 November 2020. Prospective submitters are advised that any submission to the Committee’s inquiry must be prepared solely for the inquiry and should not be published prior to being accepted by the Committee. Further information about making a submission to a committee inquiry can be found at the following link. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media enquiries Chair, Mr Andrew Hastie MP (Canning, WA) (08) 9534 8044 (Electorate office) (02) 6277 4223 (Parliament House) For background information Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au

A parliamentary inquiry into the Australian Citizenship Amendment (Citizenship Cessation) Bill 2019 has recommended that the Parliament pass the bill with relatively few amendments, in a report tabled today.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 1 September 2020

A parliamentary inquiry into the Australian Citizenship Amendment (Citizenship Cessation) Bill 2019 has recommended that the Parliament pass the bill with relatively few amendments, in a report tabled today. Chair of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, Andrew Hastie, said the Committee acknowledges the role that citizenship loss can provide to keep Australians safe from terrorists. ‘The Committee’s report recommends and welcomes the move from an ‘operation of law’ model of citizenship loss to a ministerial decision model. As with many submitters the Committee is pleased that this increases the opportunity for persons affected by citizenship cessation provisions to seek judicial review and, in relation to an ASIO Qualified Security Assessment (QSA), merits review,’ Mr Hastie said. The report recommends that the Explanatory Memorandum clarify that proposed section 36B of the Bill require the Minister to be ‘reasonably’ satisfied of the matters listed in proposed subsection 36B(1) before determining that a person ceases to be an Australian citizen and that the Explanatory Memorandum of the Bill clarify that under proposed section 36E(2) dealing with a public interest test before citizenship is ceased the Minister must take into account the following matters: the likely effects of citizenship cessation on any dependents of the person whose citizenship the Minister is proposing to cancel; a person’s connection to Australia; and conduct that would be captured by Chapter 8 of the Criminal Code. Mr Hastie emphasised the serious nature of crimes that could result in citizenship loss. ‘If dual-national Australian citizens resolve to harm, maim and kill their fellow citizens through acts of terror, then we must be prepared to impose costs for such behaviour,’ Mr Hastie said. ‘The offences for which a dual citizen may lose their citizenship include; international terrorist activities using explosive or lethal devices, treason, sabotage, espionage, foreign interference and offences associated with planning, preparation and carrying out terrorism. The lowest penalty for these offences is 10 years imprisonment with most attracting imprisonment of 25 years to life imprisonment.’ ‘Those who choose the dark path of terrorism reject the gift and responsibilities of Australian citizenship.’ Mr Hastie said. The report can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media enquiries Chair, Mr Andrew Hastie MP (Canning, WA) on (08) 9534 8044 (Electorate office) or (02) 6277 4223 (Parliament House) For background information Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au

A parliamentary inquiry into the impact of the exercise of law enforcement and intelligence powers on the freedom of the press has recommended measures to improve public interest protections and transparency, with a report tabled today.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 26 August 2020

A parliamentary inquiry into the impact of the exercise of law enforcement and intelligence powers on the freedom of the press has recommended measures to improve public interest protections and transparency, with a report tabled today. Chair of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, Andrew Hastie, said the Committee acknowledges the role of a free press, and that the investigation or prosecution of journalists and media organisations can affect the perception of the freedom of the press in Australia. ‘Our report recommends that the role of Australia’s Public Interest Advocates be expanded to consider a broader range of warrant applications that may affect journalists and media organisations in instances of unauthorised disclosure of information,’ Mr Hastie said. The report also includes recommendations for additional transparency in warrant applications, and recommendations related to the Public Interest Disclosure scheme which allows public officials who suspect wrongdoing to report their concerns. These reforms are aimed at ensuring that appropriate avenues exist for Commonwealth officials to raise their concerns before it is necessary to approach external parties. ‘The issues related to law enforcement, intelligence powers and press freedoms are complex, and this inquiry has allowed the Committee to examine a range of matters in great detail,’ Mr Hastie said. ‘This is an evolving area of law, and the Committee welcomes recent steps taken by Government to bolster the decision-making process when journalists and media organisations are involved in the investigation and prosecution of unauthorised disclosure of information.’ The report can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries: Chair, Mr Andrew Hastie MP (Canning, WA) on (08) 9534 8044 (Electorate office) or (02) 6277 4223 (Parliament House) For background information: Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, (02) 6277 2360 or pjcis@aph.gov.au

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review of the listing and re-listing of three organisations as terrorist organisations under the Criminal Code Act 1995 (the Criminal Code).

Media release issue date: Thursday, 13 August 2020

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review of the listing and re-listing of three organisations as terrorist organisations under the Criminal Code Act 1995 (the Criminal Code). The organisations that have been re-listed are: Boko Haram – Boko Haram, formally named Jama'atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda'awati Wal-Jihad, follows an extreme interpretation of Islam which is anti-Western, promotes sectarian violence and targets as infidels and apostates those who do not agree with this interpretation. Boko Haram's objective is the establishment of an Islamic state under Shariah law in Nigeria and beyond. Islamic State – Islamic State is an Iraq and Syria-based Sunni extremist group and former al-Qa’ida affiliate that adheres to global jihadist ideology. Islamic State follows an extreme interpretation of Islam which is ant-Western, promotes sectorial violence and targets those that do not agree with its interpretations of Islam. Another organisation, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has been listed as a terrorist organisation under the Criminal Code for the first time. ISWAP developed as a faction of listed terrorist organisation Boko Haram. ISWAP has engaged in terrorist attacks and kidnappings against a wide range of targets in Nigeria and neighbouring countries. Under section 102.1A of the Criminal Code, the Committee may review listings of terrorist organisations and report its findings to each house of the Parliament within the 15 sitting day disallowance period. Members of the public are welcome to make submissions to this review. Submissions should be provided no later than 5pm Friday, 4 September 2020. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Andrew Hastie MP 08 9534 8044 (Electorate office) 02 6277 4223 (Parliament House) For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security has today published Dr Renwick’s (Independent National Security Legislation Monitor) report ‘Trust but Verify’—A report concerning the Telecommunications and Other Legislation Amendment (Assistance and Access) Act 2018 and related matters.

Media release issue date: Friday, 10 July 2020

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security has today published Dr Renwick’s (Independent National Security Legislation Monitor) report ‘Trust but Verify’—A report concerning the Telecommunications and Other Legislation Amendment (Assistance and Access) Act 2018 and related matters. Dr Renwick’s report fulfils the Committee’s referral request that he undertake a review of the operation, effectiveness and implementation of amendments made by the Telecommunications and Other Legislation Amendment (Assistance and Access) Act 2018 (TOLA) with a focus on whether the Act: contains appropriate safeguards for protecting the rights of individuals; remains proportionate to any threat of terrorism or threat to national security, or both; and remains necessary. In his report Dr Renwick concluded that, with two exceptions, ‘TOLA is or is likely to be necessary’. Regarding proportionality and proper rights protection, Dr Renwick also stated that ‘TOLA will be compliant if, but only if, the central recommendations in this report are implemented’. Committee Chair, Mr Andrew Hastie MP noted that the Committee’s current review into the amendments made by TOLA will build on the findings presented in Dr Renwick’s report. “The Committee welcomes Dr Renwick’s report, the final report in his role as the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor and recognises the quality of the review work that was undertaken,” Mr Hastie said. Dr Renwick’s term as the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor concluded on Tuesday 30 June 2020. “On behalf of the Committee, I thank Dr Renwick for his valuable contributions and delivery, at the highest standard, of independent review work in the national security space,” said Deputy Chair, Hon Mr Anthony Byrne MP. “The Committee wishes Dr Renwick all the very best in his future endeavours”. More information on the Committee’s review into TOLA can be found on the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Chair, Mr Andrew Hastie MP (Canning, WA) 08 9534 8044 (Electorate office) 02 6277 4223 (Parliament House) For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) will hold a public hearing tomorrow for its review into the effectiveness of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Amendment Bill 2020.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 9 July 2020

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security will hold a public hearing tomorrow for its review into the effectiveness of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Amendment Bill 2020. The Bill review was requested by the Minister for Home Affairs in a letter to the Committee available here. Public Hearing Details Date: Friday, 10 July 2020 Time 10.00 am – 5.00 pm (AEST) Location: Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra The Committee will hear from the Law Council of Australia, the Australian Human Rights Commission, the Office of the Inspector General for Intelligence and Security, the Australian Federal Police, the Australian Security intelligence Organisation and the Department of Home Affairs. A program for the hearing can be found here. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, teleconference and video conference facilities will be used to connect witnesses to Committee Members. The hearings will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media Inquiries Chair, Mr Andrew Hastie MP (Canning, WA) 08 9534 8044 (Electorate office) 02 6277 4223 (Parliament House) For Background Information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a statutory review into the ‘declared area’ provisions, listed in sections 119.2 and 119.3 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 18 June 2020

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a statutory review into the ‘declared area’ provisions, listed in sections 119.2 and 119.3 of the Criminal Code Act 1995. The provisions were introduced as part of the Foreign Fighters Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendments in 2014, and make it an offence for a person to enter, or remain in, declared areas of a foreign country, historically on the basis of regional terrorism activity. Under a sunset clause, the provisions are due to expire on 7 September 2021. The Committee will review and make recommendations on whether they should be extended. The Committee requests submissions to the inquiry by Friday 28 August 2020. Prospective submitters are advised that any submission to the Committee’s inquiry must be prepared solely for the inquiry and should not be published prior to being accepted by the Committee. Further information about making a submission to a committee inquiry can be found at the following link. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries: Chair, Mr Andrew Hastie MP (Canning, WA) 08 9534 8044 (Electorate office) 02 6277 4223 (Parliament House) For background information: Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review into the operation, effectiveness and implications of two sets of terrorism powers relating to the Australian Federal Police.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 18 June 2020

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review into the operation, effectiveness and implications of: Division 3A of Part IAA of the Crimes Act 1914 (which provides for police powers in relation to terrorism) and any other provision of the Crimes Act 1914 as it relates to that Division; and, Divisions 104 and 105 of the Criminal Code (which provide for control orders and preventative detention orders in relation to terrorism) and any other provision of the Criminal Code Act 1995 as it relates to those Divisions. The Committee has commenced these reviews as one inquiry. The Committee requests submissions to the inquiry by Friday 28 August 2020. Prospective submitters are advised that any submission to the Committee’s inquiry must be prepared solely for the inquiry and should not be published prior to being accepted by the Committee. Further information about making a submission to a committee inquiry can be found at the following link. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries: Chair, Mr Andrew Hastie MP (Canning, WA) 08 9534 8044 (Electorate office) 02 6277 4223 (Parliament House) For background information: Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review into the effectiveness of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Amendment Bill 2020.

Media release issue date: Monday, 18 May 2020

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review into the effectiveness of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Amendment Bill 2020. The bill review was requested by the Minister for Home Affairs in a letter to the Committee available here. The Bill amends the compulsory questioning framework in the ASIO Act by: enabling ASIO’s continued use of questioning warrants, but removing its ability to use questioning and detention warrants; replacing the existing detention framework with a more limited apprehension framework;  enabling the use of questioning warrants in relation to espionage, politically motivated violence (including terrorism) and acts of foreign interference;  providing the power for a police officer to conduct a search of a person who is apprehended in connection with a questioning warrant; and permitting ASIO to seek a questioning warrant in relation to minors aged 14 to 18 years old, but only where the minor is themselves the target of an ASIO investigation in relation to politically motivated violence  The Committee requests submissions to the inquiry by Friday 26 June 2020. Prospective submitters are advised that any submission to the Committee’s inquiry must be prepared solely for the inquiry and should not be published prior to being accepted by the Committee. Further information about making a submission to a committee inquiry can be found at the following link. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries: Chair, Mr Andrew Hastie MP (Canning, WA) on 08 9534 8044 (Electorate office) or (02) 6277 4223 (Parliament House) For background information: Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, (02) 6277 2360 or pjcis@aph.gov.au. For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) will hold three public hearings this week for its Review into the Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (International Production Orders) Bill 2020.

Media release issue date: Monday, 11 May 2020

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) will hold three public hearings this week for its Review into the Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (International Production Orders) Bill 2020. Public hearings 12 May 2020 3.30pm – 5.30pm Committee Room 1R1, Parliament House, Canberra 13 May 2020 9.30am – 12.30pm Committee Room 1R1, Parliament House, Canberra 14 May 2020 9.30am – 12.30pm Committee Room 1R1, Parliament House, Canberra Programs for the hearings can be found here. Teleconference facilities will be used to connect witnesses to Committee Members. Audio of the hearings will be streamed at aph.gov.au/live. The Chair, Mr Andrew Hastie MP, said ‘The Committee has received a number of submissions from government, communications, and civil society on the international production orders bill. These hearings will allow for the Committee to engage with a wide range of stakeholders on topics relevant to consideration of the bill.’ Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries: Chair, Mr Andrew Hastie MP (Canning, WA) on 08 9534 8044 (Electorate office) or (02) 6277 4223 (Parliament House) For background information:  Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, (02) 6277 2360 or pjcis@aph.gov.au. For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security has completed its review of the mandatory data retention regime, and is now working on its report.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 15 April 2020

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security has completed its Review of the mandatory data retention regime, and is now working on its report. The Chair, Mr Andrew Hastie MP, said ‘The Committee has received considerable evidence from submitters and witnesses regarding the effectiveness of the mandatory data retention regime. This marks the completion of the Committee’s review and the Committee’s attention now turns to preparing a bipartisan report which delivers tangible ideas for reform and consideration. The Committee expects to table the report by the end of July.’ The Deputy Chair, Hon Anthony Byrne MP, said ‘The Committee is grateful for the evidence received and will complete the task of drafting a report that will set out some of the major concerns with the regime and access to data under the Telecommunications Act 1997 as well as recommendations to government addressing these concerns.’ Section 187N of the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979 provides for the completion of the review by 13 April 2020. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries: Chair, Mr Andrew Hastie MP (Canning, WA) on (08) 9534 8044 (Electorate office) or (02) 6277 4223 (Parliament House) Deputy Chair, Hon Anthony Byrne MP (Holt, Vic) on (03) 9796 7533 (Electorate office) or (02) 6277 4309 (Parliament House) For background information: Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, (02) 6277 2360 or pjcis@aph.gov.au.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review into the effectiveness of the Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (International Production Orders) Bill 2020. The bill review was requested by the Minister for Home Affairs in a letter to the Committee.

Media release issue date: Friday, 13 March 2020

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review into the effectiveness of the Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (International Production Orders) Bill 2020. The bill review was requested by the Minister for Home Affairs in a letter to the Committee available here. The Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (International Production Orders) Bill 2020 is drafted to amend the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979 to: provide a framework for Australian agencies to obtain independently-authorised international production orders for interception, stored communications and telecommunications data directly to designated communications providers in foreign countries with which Australia has a designated international agreement; amend the regulatory framework to allow Australian communications providers to intercept and disclose electronic information in response to an incoming order or request from a foreign country with which Australia has an agreement; make amendments contingent on the commencement of the proposed Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Act 2020; and remove the ability for nominated Administrative Appeals Tribunal members to issue certain warrants. The Bill intends to provide for the legislative framework for Australia to give effect to future bilateral and multilateral agreements for cross-border access to electronic information and communications data, such as that being negotiated with the United States for the purposes of the US Clarifying Lawful Overseas Use of Data Act (CLOUD Act). The Committee requests submissions to the inquiry by Thursday 9 April 2020. Prospective submitters are advised that any submission to the Committee’s inquiry must be prepared solely for the inquiry and should not be published prior to being accepted by the Committee. Further information about making a submission to a committee inquiry can be found at the following link. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries: Chair, Mr Andrew Hastie MP (Canning, WA) on 08 9534 8044 (Electorate office) or (02) 6277 4223 (Parliament House) For background information:  Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, (02) 6277 2360 or pjcis@aph.gov.au. For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) will hold a public hearing for its Review of the mandatory data retention regime.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 27 February 2020

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) will hold a public hearing for its Review of the mandatory data retention regime. Public hearing details Date: 28 February 2020 Time: 8.30 am – 4.30 pm Location: Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra A full program for the hearing can be found here. The Chair, Mr Andrew Hastie MP, said ‘This hearing will allow the Committee to hear from key users of data retained under the meta data retention regime. Hearing from Home Affairs, ASIO and law enforcement on the mandatory data retention regime will allow the Committee to explore the sensitive issues around the use of telecommunications data. The mandatory data retention regime is the legislative framework which requires carriers, carriage service providers and internet service providers to retain a defined set of telecommunications data for two years, ensuring that such data remains available for law enforcement and national security investigations Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries: Chair, Mr Andrew Hastie MP (Canning, WA) on 08 9534 8044 (Electorate office) or (02) 6277 4223 (Parliament House) For background information: Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, (02) 6277 2360 or pjcis@aph.gov.au.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) will hold a public hearing for its Review of the mandatory data retention regime.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 13 February 2020

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) will hold a public hearing for its Review of the mandatory data retention regime. Public hearing details Date: 14 February 2020 Time: 8.30 am – 12.20 pm Location: Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra A full program for the hearing can be found here. The Chair, Mr Andrew Hastie MP, said ‘This hearing will allow the Committee to hear from further interested civil society stakeholders as well as the communications industry peak body on the mandatory data retention regime. We will consider these issues closely and carefully.’ The mandatory data retention regime is the legislative framework which requires carriers, carriage service providers and internet service providers to retain a defined set of telecommunications data for two years, ensuring that such data remains available for law enforcement and national security investigations Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Chair, Mr Andrew Hastie MP (Canning, WA) on 08 9534 8044 (Electorate office) or (02) 6277 4223 (Parliament House) For background information Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, (02) 6277 2360 or pjcis@aph.gov.au

Today the Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee tabled its review of the administration and expenditure of Australian intelligence agencies for the 2017 18 financial year, fulfilling one of its key statutory oversight responsibilities.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 5 February 2020

Today the Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee tabled its review of the administration and expenditure of Australian intelligence agencies for the 2017 18 financial year, fulfilling one of its key statutory oversight responsibilities. The Committee found that the Office of National Intelligence, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, the Australia Secret Intelligence Services, the Australian Signals Directorate, the Australian Geospatial-Intelligence organisation and the Defence Intelligence Organisation are managing their administration and expenditure appropriately. It recommended that the Australian Government ensure that the Office of National Intelligence is adequately resourced to facilitate national intelligence community-wide learning and development programs. Committee Chair Andrew Hastie noted that the Office of National Intelligence’s mandate to manage the national intelligence community includes a responsibility to mature whole-of-community approaches to strategic workforce capability and development. ‘National intelligence community-wide training and development programs have the potential to increase connections between intelligence agencies, enhance staff mobility and deliver cost efficiencies.’ The Committee also recommended that the Australian Government review the application of the efficiency dividend to the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, the Australian Secret Intelligence Service and the Office of National Intelligence with a view to safeguarding their operational budgets. Further information on the inquiry and a copy of the report can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries: Mr Andrew Hastie MP, Chair of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security 08 9534 8044 (Electorate office) 02 6277 4223 (Parliament House) For background information: Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has received detailed new evidence to its Inquiry into the impact of the exercise of law enforcement and intelligence powers on the freedom of the press which has necessitated a further extension to its reporting timeframe.

Media release issue date: Friday, 13 December 2019

  The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has received detailed new evidence to its Inquiry into the impact of the exercise of law enforcement and intelligence powers on the freedom of the press which has necessitated a further extension to its reporting timeframe. Australia’s Right to Know (ARTK) coalition of media companies tendered a supplementary submission to the PJCIS’s inquiry on Tuesday, one week before the Committee intended to deliver its report. This submission and its attachments contain detailed proposed amendments to fundamental parts of Commonwealth law enforcement and intelligence legislation. The Committee also expects to soon receive a further submission from the Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Federal Police. The Chair, Mr Andrew Hastie MP, said ‘The Committee has been working to thoroughly consider the issues presented to it since July. This late submission from ARTK provides additional detailed evidence on the position of the major media stakeholders to this inquiry. The Committee also expects to receive a further submission from relevant Government agencies. The Committee will therefore not report next week but will wait to properly consider these new submissions.’ The Deputy Chair, Hon Anthony Byrne MP, said ‘The complexity of the issues being considered in this inquiry has challenged the Committee’s ability to deliver a report in the timelines it was provided, and even within the timelines it has set for itself. In order for the Committee to consider this new detailed evidence and test government and societal opinion for the proposals put forward, the Committee will have to extend its inquiry timeline into next year.’ Mr Hastie added ‘The Committee will consider this new evidence and expects to report early in the new year.’ Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries: Chair, Mr Andrew Hastie MP (Canning, WA) on (08) 9534 8044 (Electorate office) or (02) 6277 4223 (Parliament House) Deputy Chair, Hon Anthony Byrne MP (Holt, Vic) on (03) 9796 7533 (Electorate office) or (02) 6277 4309 (Parliament House) For background information: Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, (02) 6277 2360 or pjcis@aph.gov.au.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has today tabled its report on its Review of the Australian Citizenship renunciation by conduct and cessation provisions.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 4 December 2019

  The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has today tabled its report on its Review of the Australian Citizenship renunciation by conduct and cessation provisions. The Committee found that, as the conduct provisions currently operate, the Minister’s role is effectively limited to restoring a person’s citizenship after it has been lost or exempting a person from the effect of those provisions, which is due to the provisions’ automatic nature. Following an in-depth and considered review the Committee found that the current ‘operation of law’ model, whereby a dual-national’s Australian citizenship is automatically renounced through their actions, should be replaced by a ministerial decision-making model. Such a model would allow the Minister to take into account a broader range of considerations in determining whether to cease an individual’s citizenship. This determination was founded on advice from national security agencies, which advised the Committee that further flexibility was required to utilise citizenship cessation to maximum effect. The Committee noted that the Government has proposed such a ministerial decision-making model in the Australian Citizenship Amendment (Citizenship Cessation) Bill 2019. The Committee is currently finalising its report on the Bill, ensuring that the proposed amendments operate as effectively as possible. The report can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries: Chair, Mr Andrew Hastie MP  08 9534 8044 (Electorate office) 02 6277 4223 (Parliament House) For background information: Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au

The Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee is marking 30 years of operation with the presentation if its Annual report of Committee activities for 2018-2019.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 4 December 2019

The Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee is marking 30 years of operation with the presentation if its Annual report of Committee activities for 2018-2019. Committee Chair Andrew Hastie said the importance of the Committee has increased over the years, and that this is set to continue in future. ‘The Committee provides a collaborative, classified space for Members from both sides of politics to come together to examine draft national security legislation in a detailed manner,’ Mr Hastie said. ‘Our oversight of the national intelligence community ensures that intelligence agencies remain accountable to the Australian Parliament and through the parliament, to the Australian public.’ ‘Committee work is an important part of the Westminster tradition, and so the Committee regards its independence and oversight as essential to good democratic governance.’ The report reflects on the evolution of the Committee, the achievement of major milestones and looks forward to possible future developments. The Committee’s role and place within the national security architecture has changed considerably since the first Parliamentary Joint Committee on the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation was appointed in 1988 to provide some oversight of ASIO. Over the years, the Committee’s oversight responsibilities have matured to encompass most of the national intelligence community, including the completion of annual reviews of the administration and expenditure of intelligence agencies. The Committee has also developed substantial responsibilities in refining national security legislation to build bipartisan consensus in Australia’s national interest. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries: Mr Andrew Hastie MP, Chair of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security 08 9534 8044 (Electorate office) 02 6277 4223 (Parliament House) For background information: Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on intelligence and Security 02 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review of the re-listing of four organisations as terrorist organisations under the Criminal Code Act 1995 (the Criminal Code).

Media release issue date: Thursday, 28 November 2019

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review of the re-listing of four organisations as terrorist organisations under the Criminal Code Act 1995 (the Criminal Code). The organisations are: al-Qa’ida in the Arabian Peninsula – a Sunni extremist group located in Yemen. The group is an affiliate of al-Qa’ida which adheres to global jihadist ideology and follows an extreme anti-Western interpretation of Islam. al-Qa’ida in the Indian Subcontinent – an affiliate of al-Qa’ida, established to advance al-Qa’ida’s ideology in South Asia. The group’s objectives are to prepare Muslims for military jihad against their enemies, to liberate Muslim lands now ruled by non-Muslims, and to revive the Islamic caliphate. Islamic State in Libya – an affiliate of Islamic State that adheres to global jihadist ideology and follows an extreme anti-Western interpretation of Islam. The group promotes sectarian violence against those who do not agree with their ideology. Islamic State Sinai Province – a Sunni extremist group located in the Sinai Peninsula. The group is an affiliate of Islamic State and follows an extreme anti-Western interpretation of Islam, promoting extreme violence against those who do not agree with its interpretations of Islam. Under section 102.1A of the Criminal Code, the Committee may review listings of terrorist organisations and report its findings to each house of the Parliament within the 15 sitting day disallowance period. Members of the public are welcome to make submissions to this review. Submissions should be provided no later than 5pm Friday, 10 January 2020. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries: Mr Andrew Hastie MP, Chair of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security 08 9534 8044 (Electorate office) or (02) 6277 4223 (Parliament House) For background information: Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) is busy finalising its consideration of the Inquiry into the impact of the exercise of law enforcement and intelligence powers on the freedom of the press.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 21 November 2019

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) is busy finalising its consideration of the Inquiry into the impact of the exercise of law enforcement and intelligence powers on the freedom of the press. The Chair, Mr Andrew Hastie MP, said ‘The Committee has received considerable evidence from submitters and witnesses regarding the media and their ability to operate effectively within Australia’s democratic society. All members are endeavouring to achieve a bipartisan report, which delivers tangible areas for reform and consideration. This will not be possible by the end of November.’ The Deputy Chair, Hon Anthony Byrne MP, said ‘As this inquiry has progressed, the complexity and nuances of the issues raised have become acutely emphasised to the Committee. The ability for the Committee to make targeted recommendations is reliant on time, and the Committee would rather report later to ensure that occurs.’ The Committee has written to the Attorney-General informing him of the later reporting requirement, with the undertaking to present a report in the week before Christmas at the latest. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries: Chair, Mr Andrew Hastie MP (Canning, WA) on (08) 9534 8044 (Electorate office) or (02) 6277 4223 (Parliament House) Deputy Chair, Hon Anthony Byrne MP (Holt, Vic) on (03) 9796 7533 (Electorate office) or (02) 6277 4309 (Parliament House) For background information: Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) will hold a public hearing for its Review of the Australian Citizenship renunciation by conduct and cessation provisions.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 1 August 2019

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security will hold a public hearing for its Review of the Australian Citizenship renunciation by conduct and cessation provisions. The Chair, Mr Andrew Hastie MP, said ‘This hearing will allow the Committee to hear from government agencies and other interested civil society stakeholders as to the operation, effectiveness and implications of sections 33AA, 35, 35AA and 35A of the Australian Citizenship Act 2007. We will consider these issues closely and carefully.’ Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Public hearing details: Date: Friday 2 August, 2019 Time: 9.00 am – 3.00 pm Location: Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra A full program for the hearing can be found here. Media inquiries: Chair, Mr Andrew Hastie MP (Canning, WA) (08) 9534 8044 (Electorate office) (02) 6277 4223 (Parliament House) For background information: Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review of the re-listing of five organisations as terrorist organisations under the Criminal Code Act 1995 (the Criminal Code).

Media release issue date: Monday, 1 January 0001

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review of the re-listing of five organisations as terrorist organisations under the Criminal Code Act 1995 (the Criminal Code). The organisations are: Al-Shabaab – an officially recognised affiliate of al-Qa’ida based in Somalia, this group’s primary objective is to establish an Islamist state in the Horn of Africa under Sharia law. It follows al-Qa’ida’s anti-Western violent jihadist narrative and currently controls territory in southern Somalia. Hamas’ Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades – founded in 1991 as the paramilitary wing of Hamas, this group fuses Sunni Islamist and Palestinian nationalist objectives. Its goals are the establishment of an independent Palestinian state comprising of Gaza, the West Bank and Israel and the destruction of Israel as a political entity. The Kurdistan Workers’ Party – a nationalist and Marxist-Leninist revolutionary organisation based around Kurdish ethnic identity, this group’s primary targets are the Turkish government and security forces but it has also attacked the interests of other rival political parties. Lashkar-e-Tayyiba – a Pakistani-based Sunni violent extremist organisation, this group’s stated objective is uniting Indian administered Kashmir with Pakistan under Islamic law and, more broadly, the establishment of an Islamic Caliphate across the Indian subcontinent. It is one of the most active terrorist groups in the Jammu and Kashmir region. Palestinian Islamic Jihad – a religiously and ideologically motivated violent extremist organisation, this Palestinian nationalist and Sunni Islamic group seeks the military destruction of Israel and the establishment of an Islamic Palestinian state within the historical borders of Palestine. It rejects the two-state solution. Under section 102.1A of the Criminal Code, the Committee may review listings of terrorist organisations and report its findings to each house of the Parliament within the 15 sitting day disallowance period.  Members of the public are welcome to make submissions to this review. Submissions should be provided no later than 5pm Friday, 20 August 2020. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries: Chair, Senator James Paterson via Deborah Seccombe on 0451 255 891 or deborah.seccombe@aph.gov.au For background information:  Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.