Strengthening Oversight of the National Intelligence Community Bill 2025

Stage by Stage

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

1. Wednesday 30 July 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The Attorney-General introduced legislation to expand oversight of Australia's national intelligence community. The bill aims to ensure consistent statutory and parliamentary scrutiny across all ten intelligence agencies. It strengthens the roles of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, and the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor. The debate was adjourned after the opening speech.

   Outcome: Debate adjourned.

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2. Monday 24 November 2025 · House of Representatives

   Consideration in Detail

   The Attorney-General moved eleven government amendments to the bill during consideration in detail. These changes addressed recommendations from the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security regarding oversight mechanisms. The amendments clarified consultation requirements for regulations, streamlined committee procedures, and removed provisions concerning the Commonwealth Ombudsman. The House agreed to the amendments and passed the bill.

   Outcome: The bill, as amended, was agreed to.

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3. Monday 24 November 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The House of Representatives debated the Strengthening Oversight of the National Intelligence Community Bill 2025, which aims to expand oversight of all ten agencies within the national intelligence community. The Coalition supported the bill as a prudent measure to ensure rigorous accountability while acknowledging concerns about the government's legislative process. Labor members argued the legislation was necessary to maintain public trust and implement long-overdue reforms recommended by previous reviews. The bill passed its second reading with support from both sides of the House.

   Outcome: The question was agreed to and the bill was read a second time.

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4. Monday 24 November 2025 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
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5. Tuesday 25 November 2025 · Senate

   First Reading
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6. Tuesday 25 November 2025 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated the Strengthening Oversight of the National Intelligence Community Bill 2025, which aimed to expand oversight mechanisms for intelligence agencies. The Minister for Industry and Innovation, Tim Ayres, introduced the legislation, arguing that evolving security threats required a more uniform and holistic oversight framework. He stated that the bill would extend the jurisdiction of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security and the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security to cover all agencies in the National Intelligence Community. The debate was adjourned after the Minister's speech, with no other members speaking.

   Outcome: Debate adjourned.

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