Question Time AU

Bill Debate · Second Reading

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

House of Representatives · Wednesday 23 July 2025

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

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.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Tony Burke (Watson) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

Burke moved that the bill be read a second time, arguing it extended the expiry of ASIO's compulsory questioning powers by 18 months to 7 March 2027. Burke stated this extension allowed the government to progress reforms and gave the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security sufficient time to consider them. Burke noted that the committee had begun a review in September 2023 but did not complete it before parliament was prorogued. Burke emphasised that the bill ensured ASIO kept its authority to probe and collect vital information as changes were advanced. Burke concluded that the bill maintained necessary safeguards and oversight to protect individual rights and national security.

Government response

Tony Burke (Minister for Home Affairs; Minister for Cyber Security; Minister for Immigration and Citizenship; Leader of the House; Minister for the Arts) ALP Watson

Burke argued that the bill enabled ASIO to navigate a complex security environment while protecting Australian safety. Burke highlighted that the regime remained subject to extensive safeguards and oversight by the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security. Burke stated the legislation reflected the government's commitment to ensuring national security agencies had the necessary powers. Burke asserted that these measures would help Australians feel safe in a changing security landscape.