Question Time AU

Bill Debate · Report from Committee

Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2025; Report from Committee

Senate · Thursday 5 February 2026

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

At a glance

Raff Ciccone presented the advisory report from the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security concerning the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2025. The report concluded a review of ASIO's compulsory questioning powers, finding them necessary despite their infrequent use. The committee supported removing sunset provisions to make the powers permanent, subject to future parliamentary amendment. Four recommendations were made to strengthen safeguards and oversight, including a statutory review within three years. The Senate took note of the report and adjourned the debate.

Outcome

The Senate took note of the report and 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

Raff Ciccone (VIC) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

Ciccone presented the committee's advisory report, which concluded that ASIO's compulsory questioning powers remain necessary for national security. The committee determined that the infrequent use of these powers did not indicate they were unnecessary, but rather reflected their judicious application. It supported the repeal of periodic sunset provisions to make the powers ongoing, subject to future parliamentary review. Four recommendations were included to enhance accountability and oversight by the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security. A statutory review was recommended within three years of the amendments commencing.