Opened the debate
Hill argued that serious and organised crime poses a significant threat to community safety and the economy, citing an estimated financial impact of $82.3 billion in 2023-24. Hill stated that criminal networks are becoming more sophisticated and borderless, requiring a national intelligence agency with appropriate capabilities to provide actionable intelligence. Hill explained that the bill reforms the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission to focus on intelligence gathering, including powers for examinations, controlled operations, and search warrants. Hill noted that the legislation includes robust oversight provisions and facilitates timely intelligence sharing with other agencies to disrupt criminal networks.