Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 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 second reading of legislation to amend the powers of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation. The sole speaker, Tony Burke, argued that the bill was necessary to update ASIO's compulsory questioning powers to address evolving security threats. He highlighted that the legislation would make these powers permanent, expand the scope of matters for which warrants could be sought, and strengthen oversight mechanisms. The debate concluded with the motion being moved and the discussion adjourned.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned after the motion for the second reading was moved.

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2. Thursday 5 February 2026 · Senate

   Report from Committee

   Raff Ciccone presented the advisory report from the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security concerning the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2025. The report concluded a review of ASIO's compulsory questioning powers, finding them necessary despite their infrequent use. The committee supported removing sunset provisions to make the powers permanent, subject to future parliamentary amendment. Four recommendations were made to strengthen safeguards and oversight, including a statutory review within three years. The Senate took note of the report and adjourned the debate.

   Outcome: The Senate took note of the report and the debate was adjourned.

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3. Wednesday 11 February 2026 · House of Representatives

   Reference to Federation Chamber
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4. Wednesday 11 February 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate addressed the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2025, which sought to permanently extend ASIO's compulsory questioning powers and expand their scope to include sabotage, communal violence, and border threats. Government and opposition members largely supported the legislation, citing the need for operational certainty in an evolving security environment, while independent members Kate Chaney and Helen Haines opposed the removal of sunset clauses and raised concerns about judicial oversight and the questioning of minors. The discussion highlighted a divide between prioritizing intelligence agency flexibility and maintaining strict democratic checks on extraordinary powers. The debate concluded with the adjournment of discussion, with no final vote recorded in the transcript.

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5. Thursday 12 February 2026 · House of Representatives

   Consideration in Detail

   The debate focused on two sets of amendments to the bill concerning ASIO's compulsory questioning powers. Kate Chaney moved amendments to extend the sunset clause to 2030 and mandate PJCIS reviews, arguing that permanent powers require robust oversight. Tony Burke opposed these, stating the government deliberately removed the sunset clause due to persistent threats. Zali Steggall moved an amendment to impose strict safeguards and a sunset clause for questioning minors, citing human rights concerns. Burke rejected this, highlighting the increasing involvement of minors in radicalisation and the need for operational flexibility. Both amendments were defeated.

   Outcome: Both amendments were defeated, with divisions resulting in votes of 10-67 and 9-60 against passage.

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6. Thursday 12 February 2026 · House of Representatives

   Report from Federation Chamber
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7. Thursday 12 February 2026 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
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8. Tuesday 3 March 2026 · Senate

   Second Reading

   Assistant Minister Anthony Chisholm moved the second reading of four government bills in the Senate. The legislation covered national security powers, immunisation program definitions, social security technical corrections, and veterans' affairs reforms. Chisholm argued that the measures were necessary to update legal frameworks, improve service delivery, and implement previous reform commitments. The debate was adjourned without a vote, with the bills listed for future consideration.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned and the bills were ordered to be listed on the Notice Paper as separate orders of the day.

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9. Tuesday 3 March 2026 · Senate

   First Reading
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10. Thursday 14 May 2026 · Senate

    Second Reading

    The debate concerned the permanent extension and expansion of ASIO's compulsory questioning powers, including safeguards and oversight mechanisms. Senator Kovacic supported the bill's substance but insisted on retaining a three-year sunset clause to ensure parliamentary review, a position the government accepted. Senator Pocock opposed the bill, arguing that compulsory questioning powers, particularly regarding minors and legal representation, were excessive and unnecessary, citing advice from ASIO and the Department of Home Affairs against their retention.

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11. Thursday 20 August 2026 · Senate

    Limitation of Debate
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12. Thursday 20 August 2026 · Senate

    Second Reading

    The Senate debated the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2025, which sought to expand and make permanent ASIO's compulsory questioning powers. The Greens, One Nation, and the Liberal Party opposed the bill, citing threats to civil liberties, lack of judicial oversight, and vague definitions such as 'promotion of communal violence'. The Greens moved an amendment to reject the bill, while One Nation proposed naming radical Islam as a threat. The government defended the legislation as necessary for national security, noting the reinsertion of a sunset clause and a statutory review requirement. The debate was interrupted before a final vote was recorded in the transcript.

    Outcome: The debate was interrupted before the conclusion of the second reading speech by the minister.

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