Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2025

The majority voted against an amendment introduced by Curtin MP Kate Chaney (Independent), which means it did not succeed.

What did this amendment do?

Ms Chaney explained that:

My amendments are straightforward—keep the sunset in place and/or mandate a periodic review. This is about maintaining trust in the way we exercise extraordinary powers, not about tying ASIO's hands. The first amendment would retain the sunset clause in section 34JF of the ASIO Act so compulsory questioning powers remain subject to regular renewal by parliament. This is the safeguard we've applied since these powers were first introduced, and it's functioned as intended, prompting scrutiny and public justification before each extension. The second amendment requires a mandatory statutory review of division 3 of part 3. At present, the PJCIS may choose to review these powers. My amendment would require it to do so, ensuring the parliament periodically tests whether the powers remain necessary and proportionate in light of contemporary risks and practice. This directly answers concerns that current safeguards are marginal, given the breadth of the regime and the proposed expansion.

Amendment text

(1) Schedule 1, item 1, page 3 (lines 4 and 5), omit the item, substitute:

1 Section 34JF

Omit "2027", substitute "2030".

(2) Schedule 1, page 3 (before line 7), before item 2, insert:

1A Paragraph 29(1)(ce)

Omit "if the Committee resolves to do so—".