Telecommunications and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025; Second Reading

Opened the debate

Burke argued that the bill was essential for updating surveillance frameworks to meet new geopolitical and technological challenges. Burke stated that Schedule 1 would clarify the Commonwealth's duty of disclosure regarding network activity warrants to ensure defensible prosecutions. Burke explained that Schedule 2 transferred the Communications Access Coordinator role to the Department of Home Affairs to align with machinery-of-government changes. Burke noted that Schedule 3 allowed access to stored communications during technology testing, while Schedule 4 clarified international production orders. Burke also highlighted that Schedule 5 strengthened safeguards for controlled operations, particularly in investigating online child exploitation, citing a 45 per cent increase in reports in 2023-24.

Government response

Burke moved the second reading of the bill, outlining its five schedules. Burke emphasised that the changes were technical but vital for ensuring law enforcement agencies could keep pace with technological advancements in criminal activity. Burke detailed how the amendments would clarify disclosure obligations, transfer regulatory roles, enable technology testing, secure international data access, and strengthen safeguards for controlled operations. Burke concluded by commending the bill to the House and acknowledging the work of security agency personnel.