Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Amendment Bill (No. 1) 2025

Stage by Stage

Summaries in reported speech - not a transcript. In date order, both chambers.

1. Wednesday 23 July 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate concerned the extension of the sunset date for ASIO's compulsory questioning powers. The government argued that an 18-month extension was necessary to allow time for parliamentary reforms and committee review. No opposition speakers were recorded in the provided transcript. The debate was adjourned without a recorded vote in this excerpt.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

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2. Wednesday 30 July 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate concerned the extension of ASIO's compulsory questioning powers for 18 months until March 2027, serving as a stop-gap while substantive reforms are considered in a separate bill. Speakers from the Coalition and National Party supported the legislation, citing the need to maintain national security capabilities against threats such as espionage, foreign interference, and sabotage. They emphasised the bipartisan history of these powers and the importance of oversight mechanisms. The bill was passed without amendment.

   Outcome: The bill was read a second time and reported to the House without amendment.

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3. Wednesday 30 July 2025 · House of Representatives

   Reference to Federation Chamber
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4. Thursday 31 July 2025 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
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5. Thursday 31 July 2025 · Senate

   Second Reading

   Tim Ayres moved the second reading of four government bills in the Senate. He argued that the ASIO bill extends compulsory questioning powers to allow for necessary reforms, while the Defence Housing bill expands housing support to include AUKUS personnel and partner organisations. Ayres stated the pathology bill repeals outdated fees to reduce administrative burden, and the Pacific Banking Guarantee bill secures financial services in the region through Commonwealth guarantees. The debate was adjourned to the next sitting period.

   Outcome: Further consideration of the second reading was postponed until the first sitting day of the next parliamentary session.

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6. Thursday 31 July 2025 · Senate

   First Reading
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7. Thursday 28 August 2025 · House of Representatives

   Report from Committee

   Andrew Wallace presented the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security's advisory report regarding the bill. The legislation extends the compulsory questioning warrant framework for 18 months to allow for a comprehensive review. The committee recommended the bill be passed, noting it had already received bipartisan support in the House. The report was made a parliamentary paper and commended to the House.

   Outcome: The report was made a parliamentary paper and commended to the House.

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8. Thursday 4 September 2025 · Senate

   Limitation of Debate
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