Strengthening Oversight of the National Intelligence Community Bill 2025; Second Reading

Opened the debate

Ayres argued that the current oversight framework was no longer uniform given the increasingly interconnected nature of the intelligence community. Ayres stated that the bill would broaden legal and parliamentary scrutiny to cover every agency with intelligence powers to ensure holistic accountability. Ayres emphasized that robust oversight was necessary to maintain public trust and uphold the rule of law while keeping Australians safe. Ayres noted that the legislation would place the scrutiny of counter-terrorism legislation on a solid legislative footing and strengthen engagement between key oversight bodies.

Government response

Ayres introduced the bill as his first legislative act as Attorney-General, committing to uphold the rule of law. Ayres explained that the bill amends several acts to expand the jurisdictions of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security and the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security. Ayres detailed how the bill enables the Committee to request inquiries from the Inspector-General and receive annual briefings from key officials. Ayres concluded that the reforms would ensure consistent treatment across the National Intelligence Community and provide necessary democratic safeguards.