The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has tabled a report regarding proposed reforms to the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) compulsory questioning warrants framework.
First introduced in 2003, ASIO's compulsory questioning powers have been subject to recurring sunset provisions. The ASIO Amendment Bill (No.2) 2025 seeks to make these powers permanent, and further reform them, including expanding the grounds on which ASIO can seek a warrant.
The Committee's report makes four recommendations to further strengthen safeguards and accountability in relation to the granting and use of the powers, and their oversight by the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security.
PJCIS Chair, Senator Raff Ciccone, said: "The Committee is satisfied that the compulsory questioning framework is necessary and is also largely fit for purpose, and therefore endorses the proposal in the Bill to repeal provision for the periodic sunsetting of the powers."
"With the entrenchment of the compulsory questioning powers, regular review is more important than ever. As per the proposed amendment in Part 1 of the Bill, the Committee considers that it is appropriate for the Committee to undertake another statutory review within three years of the commencement of the amendments." Senator Ciccone said.
A full copy of the report and further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee's website.
