Australian Border Force Amendment (Protected Information) Bill 2017

The majority voted against two amendments introduced by Greens Senator Nick McKim that relate to the unauthorised disclosure of information.

Senator McKim explained that:

The amendments proposed reflect the recommendations made by the Australian Human Rights Commission [408 KB] and the Law Council of Australia [592 KB] in their submissions to the inquiry into this bill. The recommendations from the Australian Human Rights Commission aim to advance the bill's stated objective and enhance the bill's compatibility with human rights. The unauthorised disclosure of information under section 42 of the Australian Border Force Act carries a penalty of up to two years imprisonment. The Australian Human Rights Commission submitted that, given the adverse consequences associated with a criminal conviction, criminal penalties should only attach to the unauthorised disclosure when it harms essential public interests.

Read more about the bill in the bills digest.