Andrew Wilkie on security changes: Hasty changes without adequate safeguards

A STATEMENT ON THE GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSED SECURITY CHANGES

The Independent Member for Denison, Andrew Wilkie, has commented on the Government’s proposed security changes. Mr Wilkie is a former intelligence official and army lieutenant colonel. He was also a member of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security.

“I accept that there is a need for further security legislation reform, but am concerned that the announcement by the Attorney-General today signals hasty changes without adequate safeguards,” Mr Wilkie said.

“Yes, security legislation including the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979 needs to be modernised to deal with new technologies and the changing security environment. And yes, the PJCIS May 2013 report provides a good blueprint for reform.

“However the Government must act on the recommendation of the PJCIS that any reform be handled methodically and include careful stakeholder consultation. Giving the Committee just two months to inquire into these reforms is clearly inadequate, as is the Attorney-General’s suggestion that much of the stakeholder consultation has already been conducted.

“Any reforms must also include effective safeguards. The decision to retain the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor is sound, but there needs to also be parliamentary oversight of operations, strengthened Inspector General of Intelligence and Security oversight, continuing restrictions on those who can issue warrants and a legislated requirement limiting some intelligence operations to being used only when all other options have been exhausted.

“The increase in penalties for the disclosure of intelligence material must also be accompanied by an amendment to the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2013 to ensure protection for intelligence whistle-blowers. Currently intelligence material and intelligence officials are not covered by this legislation.”
Independent Member for Denison Andrew Wilkie