Commonwealth Coat of Arms of Australia

 

 

 

 

 

 

InspectorGeneral of Intelligence and Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Modernisation) Act 2023

 

No. 73, 2023

 

 

 

 

 

An Act to amend the law relating to the oversight of intelligence services, and for related purposes

 

 

Contents

1 Short title

2 Commencement

3 Schedules

Schedule 1—Amendments

Part 1—Main amendments

InspectorGeneral of Intelligence and Security Act 1986

Part 2—Consequential amendments

Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986

Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979

Crimes Act 1914

Criminal Code Act 1995

Income Tax Assessment Act 1997

Intelligence Services Act 2001

Office of National Intelligence Act 2018

Ombudsman Act 1976

Privacy Act 1988

Public Interest Disclosure Act 2013

Surveillance Devices Act 2004

Taxation Administration Act 1953

Telecommunications Act 1997

Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979

Schedule 2—Amendments contingent on the National AntiCorruption Commission Act

Part 1—Amendments that commence after the National AntiCorruption Commission Act

InspectorGeneral of Intelligence and Security Act 1986

National AntiCorruption Commission Act 2022

Part 2—Amendments contingent on the National AntiCorruption Commission Act that might not commence

Law Enforcement Integrity Commissioner Act 2006

Schedule 3—Application and transitional provisions

Commonwealth Coat of Arms of Australia

 

 

Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Modernisation) Act 2023

No. 73, 2023

 

 

 

An Act to amend the law relating to the oversight of intelligence services, and for related purposes

[Assented to 20 September 2023]

The Parliament of Australia enacts:

1  Short title

  This Act is the InspectorGeneral of Intelligence and Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Modernisation) Act 2023.

2  Commencement

 (1) Each provision of this Act specified in column 1 of the table commences, or is taken to have commenced, in accordance with column 2 of the table. Any other statement in column 2 has effect according to its terms.

 

Commencement information

Column 1

Column 2

Column 3

Provisions

Commencement

Date/Details

1.  Sections 1 to 3 and anything in this Act not elsewhere covered by this table

The day after this Act receives the Royal Assent.

21 September 2023

2.  Schedule 1

The day after this Act receives the Royal Assent.

21 September 2023

3.  Schedule 2, Part 1

The later of:

(a) immediately after the commencement of the provisions covered by table item 2; and

(b) the commencement of Parts 2 to 9 of the National AntiCorruption Commission Act 2022.

However, the provisions do not commence at all if the event mentioned in paragraph (b) does not occur.

21 September 2023

(paragraph (a) applies)

4.  Schedule 2, Part 2

Immediately after the commencement of the provisions covered by table item 2.

However, the provisions do not commence at all if Parts 2 to 9 of the National AntiCorruption Commission Act 2022 commence before that time.

Never commenced

5.  Schedule 3

The day after this Act receives the Royal Assent.

21 September 2023

Note: This table relates only to the provisions of this Act as originally enacted. It will not be amended to deal with any later amendments of this Act.

 (2) Any information in column 3 of the table is not part of this Act. Information may be inserted in this column, or information in it may be edited, in any published version of this Act.

3  Schedules

  Legislation that is specified in a Schedule to this Act is amended or repealed as set out in the applicable items in the Schedule concerned, and any other item in a Schedule to this Act has effect according to its terms.

Schedule 1Amendments

Part 1Main amendments

InspectorGeneral of Intelligence and Security Act 1986

1  Section 2

Omit “shall come into operation”, substitute “commences”.

2  Subsection 3(1)

Insert:

APS Code of Conduct means the rules in section 13 of the Public Service Act 1999.

contracted service provider, for an IGIS contract, means:

 (a) a person who is a party to the IGIS contract and who is responsible for the provision of services to the InspectorGeneral under the IGIS contract; or

 (b) a subcontractor for the IGIS contract.

IGIS contract means a contract, to which the InspectorGeneral is a party, under which services are to be, or were to be, provided to the InspectorGeneral.

IGIS official (short for InspectorGeneral of Intelligence and Security official) means:

 (a) the InspectorGeneral; or

 (b) any other person covered by subsection 32(1).

ONI Act employee means a member of the staff of ONI employed under subsection 33(3) of the Office of National Intelligence Act 2018.

paid work means work for financial gain or reward (whether as an employee, a selfemployed person or otherwise).

3  Subsection 3(1) (definition of permanent resident)

Repeal the definition.

4  Subsection 3(1)

Insert:

Public Service Act ONI employee means a member of the staff of ONI engaged under the Public Service Act 1999.

5  Subsection 3(1) (paragraph (a) of the definition of responsible Minister)

After “that Act”, insert “, or the part of the Act that establishes the agency or continues the agency in existence”.

6  Subsection 3(1)

Insert:

subcontractor, for an IGIS contract, means a person:

 (a) who is a party to a contract (the subcontract):

 (i) with a contracted service provider for the IGIS contract (within the meaning of paragraph (a) of the definition of contracted service provider); or

 (ii) with a subcontractor for the IGIS contract (under a previous application of this definition); and

 (b) who is responsible under the subcontract for the provision of services to the InspectorGeneral, or to a contracted service provider for the IGIS contract, for the purposes (whether direct or indirect) of the IGIS contract.

7  Subsections 6(1) and (2)

Omit “shall”, substitute “is to”.

8  Before subsection 6(3)

Insert:

Consultation requirement

9  After subsection 6(3)

Insert:

Limitation on appointment of InspectorGeneral

 (3A) A person must not be appointed as InspectorGeneral if the person is, or the person’s most recent position was, the head or a deputy head (however described) of an intelligence agency.

Arrangements with States and Territories

10  Subparagraph 6AA(a)(ii)

Repeal the subparagraph, substitute:

 (ii) a person covered by subsection 32(1) of this Act; and

11  Before subsection 8(1)

Insert:

Intelligence agency inquiry functions in relation to ASIO

12  Subparagraph 8(1)(a)(v)

Omit “, being an act or practice referred to the InspectorGeneral by the Australian Human Rights Commission”.

13  Paragraph 8(1)(c)

Omit “in a case where”, substitute “(within the meaning of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979) if”.

14  Subparagraph 8(1)(c)(i)

Omit “the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979”, substitute “that Act”.

15  Paragraph 8(1)(d)

Omit “where”, substitute “if”.

16  Before subsection 8(2)

Insert:

Intelligence agency inquiry functions in relation to ASIS, AGO or ASD

17  Paragraph 8(2)(a)

After “permanent resident”, insert “(within the meaning of the Intelligence Services Act 2001)”.

18  Subparagraph 8(2)(a)(iv)

Omit “, being an act or practice referred to the InspectorGeneral by the Australian Human Rights Commission”.

19  Before subsection 8(3)

Insert:

Intelligence agency inquiry functions in relation to DIO or ONI

20  Paragraphs 8(3)(a) and (b)

Repeal the paragraphs, substitute:

 (a) at the request of the AttorneyGeneral or the responsible Minister, of the InspectorGeneral’s own motion, or in response to a complaint made to the InspectorGeneral by a person who is an Australian citizen or a permanent resident, to inquire into any matter that relates to:

 (i) the compliance by that agency with the laws of the Commonwealth and of the States and Territories; or

 (ii) the compliance by that agency with directions or guidelines given to that agency by the responsible Minister; or

 (iii) the propriety of particular activities of that agency; and

 (aa) at the request of the AttorneyGeneral or the responsible Minister, or of the InspectorGeneral’s own motion, to inquire into any matter that relates to the effectiveness and appropriateness of the procedures of that agency relating to the legality or propriety of the activities of that agency; and

 (b) at the request of the AttorneyGeneral or the responsible Minister, of the InspectorGeneral’s own motion, or in response to a complaint made to the InspectorGeneral by a person who is an Australian citizen or a permanent resident, to inquire into any matter that relates to an act or practice of that agency:

 (i) that is or may be inconsistent with or contrary to any human right; or

 (ii) that constitutes or may constitute discrimination; or

 (iii) that is or may be unlawful under the Age Discrimination Act 2004, the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 or the Sex Discrimination Act 1984; and

 (ba) at the request of the AttorneyGeneral or the responsible Minister, or of the InspectorGeneral’s own motion, to inquire into any matter that relates to the procedures of that agency relating to redress of grievances of employees of that agency; and

21  After subsection 8(3)

Insert:

 (3AA) In subsection (3), permanent resident has the same meaning as in:

 (a) if the agency is DIO—the Intelligence Services Act 2001; and

 (b) if the agency is ONI—the Office of National Intelligence Act 2018.

Intelligence agency inquiry functions in relation to ACIC or the Australian Federal Police

22  Paragraph 8(3A)(h)

Omit “, referred to the InspectorGeneral by the Australian Human Rights Commission”.

23  Subsection 8(4)

Repeal the subsection.

24  Before subsection 8(5)

Insert:

Intelligence agency inquiry functions in relation to complaints about employment, contracts and related matters

25  Subsection 8(5)

Omit “or ONI”, substitute “or by a Public Service Act ONI employee”.

26  Subsection 8(6)

After “ASIS employee”, insert “, an ONI Act employee”.

27  Paragraphs 8(6)(a) and (b)

After “ASIS”, insert “, ONI”.

28  After paragraph 8(7)(b)

Insert:

 (ba) for an ONI Act employee:

 (i) the DirectorGeneral of National Intelligence; or

 (ii) ONI Act employees; or

 (iii) Public Service Act ONI employees; and

29  Subsection 8(7) (note)

Repeal the note, substitute:

Note: See also subsection 11(5) for when the InspectorGeneral may decide not to inquire into a matter referred to in subsection (6) of this section.

30  At the end of subsection 8(8A)

Add:

Note: See also subsection 11(6) for when the InspectorGeneral may decide not to inquire into a matter referred to in subsection (8) of this section.

31  Before subsection 8(9)

Insert:

Functions conferred by other Acts

32  Subsection 8A(2)

Repeal the subsection.

33  Subsection 8A(4)

Repeal the subsection, substitute:

 (4) However, paragraph (3)(c) does not apply if:

 (a) the intelligence agency is ASIS, ASD, AGO, DIO or ONI; and

 (b) the person is not an Australian citizen, or a permanent resident within the meaning of:

 (i) for ASIS, ASD, AGO or DIO—paragraph (a) of the definition of permanent resident in subsection 3(1) of the Intelligence Services Act 2001; or

 (ii) for ONI—paragraph (a) of the definition of permanent resident in subsection 4(1) of the Office of National Intelligence Act 2018.

34  Paragraph 9AA(a)

Repeal the paragraph.

35  Paragraph 9AA(b)

Omit “and 8(2)(a)(ii) and paragraphs 8(1)(d) and (3A)(b)”, substitute “, 8(2)(a)(ii) and 8(3)(a)(ii) and paragraphs 8(1)(d) and 8(3A)(e)”.

36  Paragraph 9AA(ba)

Omit “8(3A)(f)”, substitute “8(3A)(i)”.

37  Subsection 9A(2)

Repeal the subsection, substitute:

 (2) For the purposes of conducting an inspection of an intelligence agency under subsection (1), the InspectorGeneral or a member of staff assisting the InspectorGeneral referred to in paragraph 32(1)(a):

 (a) may, at all reasonable times, enter and remain on any premises (including any land or place) (except premises occupied in another country by ASIS); and

 (b) may, at all reasonable times, enter and remain on any premises (including any land or place) occupied in another country by ASIS if the DirectorGeneral of ASIS and the InspectorGeneral have made arrangements relating to entry under this section; and

 (c) is entitled to all reasonable facilities and assistance that the head of the agency is capable of providing; and

 (d) is entitled to full and free access at all reasonable times to any information, documents or other property of the agency; and

 (e) may examine, make copies of or take extracts from any information or documents.

38  Subsection 10(1) (note 1)

Omit “32AE”, substitute “32AH”.

39  Subsection 10(2)

Omit “Where a complaint is made orally to the InspectorGeneral, the InspectorGeneral shall”, substitute “If a complaint is made orally to the InspectorGeneral, the InspectorGeneral must”.

40  Before subsection 11(1)

Insert:

Requirement to inquire into certain complaints

41  Subsection 11(1)

Omit “Where”, substitute “If”.

42  Subsection 11(1)

Omit “shall”, substitute “must”.

43  Subsections 11(2) and (3)

Omit “Where”, substitute “If”.

44  Subsection 11(3)

Omit “shall”, substitute “must”.

45  Subsection 11(4)

Omit “Where”, substitute “If”.

46  Subsection 11(4A) (note)

Omit “32AD”, substitute “32AG”.

47  Subsection 11(5)

Omit “shall”, substitute “must”.

48  Paragraph 11(5)(a)

After “ASIS employees”, insert “, ONI Act employees”.

49  Section 12

Repeal the section, substitute:

12  Procedure if complaint not pursued

  If a person makes a complaint in relation to action taken by an intelligence agency that the InspectorGeneral decides not to inquire into, or not to inquire further into, the InspectorGeneral must:

 (a) take reasonable steps to notify the person in writing of the decision; and

 (b) notify the responsible Minister and the head of the agency in writing of the decision.

50  Subsection 13(2)

Omit “shall”, substitute “must”.

51  Before section 14

Insert:

Division 2APreliminary inquiries

52  Before subsection 14(1)

Insert:

Making preliminary inquiries into a complaint

53  Subsection 14(1)

Omit “Where”, substitute “If”.

54  Subsection 14(1)

Omit “make inquiries”, substitute “make preliminary inquiries”.

55  At the end of subsection 14(1)

Add:

Note: After making preliminary inquiries in relation to a complaint, see subsections 11(2) to (6) for determining whether to pursue further inquiry.

56  After subsection 14(1)

Insert:

Making own motion preliminary inquiries

57  Subsection 14(2)

Omit “make inquiries”, substitute “make preliminary inquiries”.

58  At the end of section 14

Add:

Determining that further inquiry is not warranted in relation to own motion preliminary inquiries

 (3) After making preliminary inquiries of the head of the intelligence agency under subsection (2), the InspectorGeneral may determine that, having regard to all the circumstances of the case, an inquiry, or further inquiry, into the action is not warranted.

Note: For reports relating to preliminary inquiries, see section 25B.

59  Before section 15

Insert:

Subdivision AObligations before commencing an inquiry

60  Subsection 15(1)

Omit “shall”, substitute “must”.

61  Section 16

Repeal the section.

62  Before section 17

Insert:

Subdivision BConduct of inquiries

63  Before subsection 17(1)

Insert:

Conduct of inquiries

64  Subsection 17(1)

Omit “shall”, substitute “must”.

65  Subsection 17(4)

Omit “shall not make a report”, substitute “must not make a report”.

66  Subsection 17(4)

Omit “, before completing the inquiry,”.

67  Subsection 17(5)

Omit “Where”, substitute “If”.

68  Subsection 17(5)

Omit “InspectorGeneral shall”, substitute “InspectorGeneral must”.

69  Subsection 17(6)

Omit “Where”, substitute “If”.

70  Before subsection 17(7)

Insert:

Discussions and consultation with Ministers or Prime Minister

71  Subsections 17(7) and (8)

Omit “before completing”, substitute “while conducting”.

72  Subsection 17(9)

Omit “shall not make a report”, substitute “must not make a report”.

73  Subsection 17(10)

Repeal the subsection.

74  After section 17

Insert:

17A  Obligation when evidence of breach of duty or misconduct

 (1) This section applies if, at any time before, during or after conducting:

 (a) an inspection under section 9A; or

 (b) a preliminary inquiry under section 14, or any other action taken by the InspectorGeneral for the purpose of deciding whether to inquire into a matter; or

 (c) an inquiry under this Act;

the InspectorGeneral is satisfied on reasonable grounds that there is evidence that a person who is a member of a Commonwealth agency has been guilty of a breach of duty or of misconduct.

Notifying responsible Minister, agency head and Public Service Commissioner

 (2) If the InspectorGeneral is satisfied on reasonable grounds that the evidence is of sufficient weight to justify the InspectorGeneral doing so, the InspectorGeneral must bring the evidence to the notice of:

 (a) either:

 (i) if the person is the head of that agency—the responsible Minister; or

 (ii) in any other case—the head of that agency; and

 (b) without limiting paragraph (a), if:

 (i) the Commonwealth agency is an Agency within the meaning of the Public Service Act 1999; and

 (ii) the person is the Agency Head (within the meaning of that Act) of the agency; and

 (iii) the breach of duty or misconduct could constitute a contravention of the APS Code of Conduct;

  the Australian Public Service Commissioner appointed under that Act.

75  Before section 18

Insert:

Subdivision CGeneral powers in relation to inquiries

76  Before subsection 18(1)

Insert:

Requiring information or documents

77  Subsection 18(1)

Omit “Where”, substitute “If”.

78  At the end of subsection 18(1)

Add:

Note: Failure to comply with a notice is an offence: see subsection (7).

79  Subsection 18(2)

Omit “Where”, substitute “If”.

80  Paragraph 18(2)(c)

Omit “shall”, substitute “must”.

81  Before subsection 18(3)

Insert:

Requiring attendance

82  Subsection 18(3)

Omit “Where”, substitute “If”.

83  At the end of subsection 18(3)

Add:

Note: Failure to comply with a notice is an offence: see subsection (7).

84  At the end of subsection 18(4)

Add:

Note 1: Failure to take an oath or make an affirmation is an offence: see subsection (7).

Note 2: This means that a hearing is a judicial proceeding for the purposes of Part III of the Crimes Act 1914, which creates various offences in relation to judicial proceedings.

85  Before subsection 18(6)

Insert:

Selfincrimination and legal professional privilege

86  Paragraph 18(6)(b)

After “agency”, insert “, or would disclose any other information that is, or may be, the subject of a claim of legal professional privilege by the Commonwealth or a Commonwealth agency”.

87  Paragraph 18(6)(ca)

After “137.1”, insert “, 137.2 (false or misleading information and documents), 145.1 (using forged document) or 149.1 (obstruction of Commonwealth public officials)”.

88  After paragraph 18(6)(ca)

Insert:

 (cb) an offence against Division 3 of Part III of the Crimes Act 1914 (offences relating to evidence and witnesses) that relates to this section; or

89  After subsection 18(6)

Insert:

 (6A) The fact that a person is not excused under subsection (6) from giving information, producing a document or answering a question does not otherwise affect a claim of legal professional privilege that anyone may make in relation to that information, document or answer.

Note: Legal professional privilege is also not waived in relation to information or documents provided voluntarily (see section 32AC).

Offence for failing to comply

90  Paragraph 18(7)(c)

Omit “a natural person”, substitute “an individual”.

91  Before subsection 18(9)

Insert:

Immunity from other penalties

92  Section 19

Omit “The InspectorGeneral may”, substitute “(1) The InspectorGeneral may (subject to subsection (2))”.

93  At the end of section 19

Add:

 (2) The InspectorGeneral may enter a place occupied in another country by ASIS only if the DirectorGeneral of ASIS and the InspectorGeneral have made arrangements relating to entry under this section.

94  Section 20

Repeal the section.

95  Before section 21

Insert:

20A  Reports under this Act and other Acts

  In addition to any reports that the InspectorGeneral is required or authorised to prepare under any other Act, the InspectorGeneral must prepare reports under this Act in accordance with this Division.

Note: The InspectorGeneral prepares reports under subsections 9B(8A) and 9C(6) (oversight of authorisations in emergencies) of the Intelligence Services Act 2001.

96  Before subsection 21(1)

Insert:

Draft reports to be prepared and generally given to agency head

97  Subsection 21(1)

After “relating to a Commonwealth agency”, insert “(other than a preliminary inquiry under section 14)”.

98  At the end of subsection 21(1)

Add:

Note: To avoid doubt, the InspectorGeneral may satisfy requirements under this subsection before completing the inquiry.

99  After subsection 21(1AA)

Insert:

Draft reports on matters directly relating to agency head

100  Before subsection 21(1C)

Insert:

Relationship with section 17 (conduct of inquiries)

101  At the end of subsection 21(1C)

Add “(conduct of inquiries)”.

102  After subsection 21(1C)

Insert:

Including relevant comments in final report

103  Subsection 21(2)

Omit “Where”, substitute “If”.

104  Subsection 21(2)

Omit “shall”, substitute “must”.

105  Before subsection 22(1)

Insert:

Reports to be prepared and given to agency head or other responsible person

106  Subsection 22(1)

After “relating to a Commonwealth agency”, insert “(other than a preliminary inquiry under section 14)”.

107  At the end of subsection 22(1)

Add:

Note 1: To avoid doubt, the InspectorGeneral may satisfy requirements under this subsection before completing the inquiry.

Note 2: A copy of the report may be given to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security under subsection 185D(3) or 185E(1) of the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979 if the report relates to an authorisation intended to identify a media source or to retained data.

108  After subsection 22(1A)

Insert:

Report to include reasons and compensation recommendation

109  Subsection 22(2)

Omit “shall”, substitute “must”.

110  After subsection 22(2)

Insert:

Tax information not to be disclosed

111  After subsection 22(3)

Insert:

Copies for Ministers

112  Subsections 23(1) and (2)

Repeal the subsections, substitute:

 (1) After conducting an inquiry under this Act into a complaint in respect of action taken by an intelligence agency (other than a preliminary inquiry under section 14), the InspectorGeneral must (subject to subsection (2)) take reasonable steps to give a written response relating to the inquiry to the complainant, unless the InspectorGeneral is satisfied on reasonable grounds that doing so will prejudice security, the defence of Australia or Australia’s relations with other countries.

 (2) The InspectorGeneral must not give the response until the head of the relevant agency and the InspectorGeneral have agreed that the terms of the proposed response will not prejudice:

 (a) security, the defence of Australia or Australia’s relations with other countries; or

  (b) law enforcement operations, including methodologies and investigative techniques; or

 (c) the privacy of individuals; or

 (d) confidential commercial information; or

 (e) the fair trial of a person or the impartial adjudication of a matter.

113  Subsection 24(1)

Omit “Where”, substitute “If”.

114  Subsection 24(1)

Omit “shall”, substitute “must”.

115  Subsection 24(2)

Omit “Where”, substitute “If”.

116  Subsection 25(1)

Omit “shall”, substitute “must”.

117  Section 25A

Omit “may report on the inspection to”, substitute “may prepare a report on the inspection (which may include the InspectorGeneral’s conclusions and recommendations) for”.

118  At the end of Part II

Add:

25B  Reports relating to preliminary inquiries

  If the InspectorGeneral makes inquiries of the head of an intelligence agency under section 14 (preliminary inquiries), the InspectorGeneral may prepare a report on the inquiry (which may include the InspectorGeneral’s conclusions and recommendations) for the responsible Minister or the head of the relevant agency.

Note: The InspectorGeneral may only disclose tax information, financial transaction reports information or AUSTRAC information as permitted under Subdivision 355C in Schedule 1 to the Taxation Administration Act 1953 or Part 11 of the AntiMoney Laundering and CounterTerrorism Financing Act 2006.

119  Subsection 27(1)

Omit “shall” (wherever occurring), substitute “is to”.

120  Subsection 27(2)

Omit “shall”, substitute “is to”.

121  Subsection 30(1)

Repeal the subsection, substitute:

 (1) The GovernorGeneral may terminate the appointment of the InspectorGeneral:

 (a) for misbehaviour; or

 (b) if the InspectorGeneral is unable to perform the duties of the InspectorGeneral’s office because of physical or mental incapacity.

122  Paragraph 30(2)(b)

Repeal the paragraph.

123  Subsection 30(2)

Omit “shall”, substitute “must”.

124  After subsection 30(2)

Insert:

 (2A) The GovernorGeneral may terminate the appointment of the InspectorGeneral if:

 (a) the InspectorGeneral holds office on a fulltime basis; and

 (b) the InspectorGeneral:

 (i) engages, except with the approval of the AttorneyGeneral, in paid work outside the duties of the InspectorGeneral’s office; or

 (ii) is absent from duty, except on leave, for 14 consecutive days or for 28 days in any period of 12 months.

125  Subsection 30(3)

Omit “and (2)”, substitute “, (2) and (2A)”.

126  At the end of subsection 32(1)

Add:

 ; and (c) a consultant or contractor engaged to assist the InspectorGeneral under section 32AAA or 32AAB; and

 (d) a person who is made available by another body or organisation to assist the InspectorGeneral under section 32AAD.

127  Subsection 32(3)

Omit “section 32AA”, substitute “subsection 32AA(1)”.

128  After section 32

Insert:

32AAA  Consultants

 (1) The InspectorGeneral may, on behalf of the Commonwealth, engage as consultants persons having suitable qualifications and experience to assist in the performance of the InspectorGeneral’s functions.

 (2) The engagement of a consultant must be by written agreement.

 (3) The terms and conditions of engagement are those that the InspectorGeneral determines in writing.

32AAB  Contracted service providers

 (1) The InspectorGeneral may, on behalf of the Commonwealth, engage a contracted service provider to assist in the performance of the InspectorGeneral’s functions.

 (2) The engagement of a contracted service provider must be by written agreement.

 (3) The terms and conditions of engagement are those that the InspectorGeneral determines in writing.

32AAC  Secondment of employees of InspectorGeneral

Secondment

 (1) The InspectorGeneral may, in writing, arrange for an employee of the InspectorGeneral to be seconded for a specified period to a body or organisation whether within or outside Australia.

Termination of secondment

 (2) The InspectorGeneral may at any time, by notice given to the body or organisation to which an employee of the InspectorGeneral is seconded under subsection (1), terminate the secondment.

32AAD  Secondment of persons to the InspectorGeneral

 (1) The InspectorGeneral may, by written agreement with a body or organisation (whether within or outside Australia), arrange for a person who is an officer, employee or other member of staff of the body or organisation to be made available to the InspectorGeneral to perform services in connection with the performance of its functions or the exercise of its powers.

 (2) The terms and conditions (including remuneration and allowances) applicable to a person performing services under an agreement are those specified in the agreement.

129  After subsection 32AA(1)

Insert:

 (1A) The InspectorGeneral may, by writing signed by the InspectorGeneral, delegate all or any of the InspectorGeneral’s functions or powers under any other provision of this Act (other than subsection 32(3)), or any other Act, to a member of staff assisting the InspectorGeneral engaged under the Public Service Act 1999 who the InspectorGeneral believes has appropriate expertise relating to the function or power delegated.

130  Subsection 32AA(2)

After “a delegation”, insert “under subsection (1) or (1A)”.

131  Part IIIA

Repeal the Part, substitute:

Part IIIARelationships with other agencies and information sharing

Division 1Avoiding duplication of oversight

32AB  Avoiding duplication of oversight

 (1) For the purpose of avoiding duplicating oversight of matters by both:

 (a) the InspectorGeneral; and

 (b) an integrity body or the AuditorGeneral;

the InspectorGeneral must have regard to the functions of those bodies and the AuditorGeneral.

 (2) The InspectorGeneral may consult an integrity body, or the AuditorGeneral, in relation to a particular matter if the InspectorGeneral considers it appropriate to do so for the purpose of avoiding more than one inquiry being conducted into the matter.

Division 2Sharing information with the InspectorGeneral

32AC  Protection for persons providing information voluntarily to the InspectorGeneral

 (1) This section applies in relation to a person if the person voluntarily provides, or makes available, information or documents to the InspectorGeneral for any of the following purposes:

 (a) the InspectorGeneral conducting an inspection under section 9A;

 (b) making a complaint under Division 2 of Part II;

 (c) the InspectorGeneral conducting a preliminary inquiry under section 14, or any other action taken by the InspectorGeneral for the purpose of deciding whether to inquire into a matter;

 (d) the InspectorGeneral conducting an inquiry under Division 3 of Part II.

Person not liable to penalties or prosecution under other Commonwealth laws

 (2) The person is not (subject to subsections (5) and (6)) liable to a penalty or to be prosecuted for an offence under a provision of any other law of the Commonwealth for providing or making available the information or documents.

Use immunity

 (3) The information or documents, and the providing or making available of the information or documents, are not (subject to subsection (5)) admissible in evidence against the person in any court or in any proceedings before a person authorised to hear evidence.

Legal professional privilege

 (4) The providing or making available of the information or documents does not affect any legal professional privilege that is, or may be, claimed by any person in relation to the information or documents.

Exceptions

 (5) Subsections (2) and (3) do not apply in relation to proceedings for an offence against:

 (a) section 137.1 or 137.2 (false or misleading information and documents), 145.1 (using forged document) or 149.1 (obstructing Commonwealth officials) of the Criminal Code, to the extent that that offence relates to this Act; or

 (b) Division 3 of Part III of the Crimes Act 1914 (offences relating to evidence and witnesses), to the extent that that offence relates to this Act; or

 (c) section 6 of the Crimes Act 1914, or section 11.1, 11.4 or 11.5 of the Criminal Code, in relation to an offence referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) of this subsection.

 (6) Subsection (2) does not apply if the provision referred to in that subsection:

 (a) is enacted after the commencement of this section; and

 (b) is expressed to have effect despite this section.

Note: This section applies subject to section 90 of the Law Enforcement Integrity Commissioner Act 2006.

32AD  Security of Commonwealth agency information and documents

 (1) This section applies if:

 (a) the InspectorGeneral requires access to information or documents in the possession of a Commonwealth agency for the purposes of conducting:

 (i) an inspection under section 9A; or

 (ii) a preliminary inquiry under section 14, or any other action taken by the InspectorGeneral for the purpose of deciding whether to inquire into a matter; or

 (iii) an inquiry under Division 3 of Part II; and

 (b) the information or documents have a national security or other protective security classification; and

 (c) the InspectorGeneral intends to do any of the following for the purposes of exercising powers or performing functions or duties as the InspectorGeneral:

 (i) remove the documents from the possession of the agency;

 (ii) make copies or take extracts from the information or documents;

 (iii) examine or otherwise make use of the information or documents.

 (2) The InspectorGeneral must make arrangements to protect from unauthorised disclosure:

 (a) the information, documents, copies or extracts; and

 (b) any other information obtained from the documents, copies or extracts;

taking into account any advice provided by the head of the relevant agency.

32AE  Authorisation for the purposes of the Privacy Act 1988

 (1) This section applies for the purposes of the Privacy Act 1988, including as it applies in relation to a service provider under section 187LA of the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979.

 (2) A person is authorised to give or make available personal information (within the meaning of the Privacy Act 1988) to an IGIS official for the purpose of the IGIS official performing a function or duty or exercising a power as an IGIS official.

Division 3Information sharing by the InspectorGeneral

32AF  Information sharing with integrity bodies

 (1) The InspectorGeneral may share information or documents with an integrity body (the receiving body) if:

 (a) the information or documents are obtained by an IGIS official in the course of exercising powers, or performing functions or duties, as an IGIS official; and

 (b) the information or documents are relevant to the receiving body’s functions; and

 (c) the InspectorGeneral is satisfied on reasonable grounds that the receiving body has satisfactory arrangements in place for protecting the information or documents.

 (2) To avoid doubt, the InspectorGeneral may share information or documents with an integrity body whether or not the InspectorGeneral is transferring a complaint or part of a complaint to the integrity body.

 (3) Without limiting paragraph (1)(c) or subsection 32AD(2), the InspectorGeneral may make arrangements with the head of an intelligence agency in relation to protecting information or documents provided to the InspectorGeneral by the agency.

32AG  Transferring complaints to other integrity bodies

  If the InspectorGeneral decides under subsection 11(4A) not to inquire into, or not to inquire further into, a complaint or part of a complaint in relation to action taken by an intelligence agency, the InspectorGeneral may transfer all or part of the complaint to the integrity body for the complaint.

Note: The complaint is taken to have been made under the Act establishing the integrity body (see sections 46PZ of the Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986, 23A of the Law Enforcement Integrity Commissioner Act 2006, 5B of the Ombudsman Act 1976 and 49B of the Privacy Act 1988).

32AH  Complaints transferred by integrity bodies

  For the purposes of this Act, a complaint is taken to have been made to the InspectorGeneral under this Act if all or part of the complaint is transferred (however described) to the InspectorGeneral by an integrity body.

Note: Complaints may be transferred to the InspectorGeneral under subsections 11(3) and 20(4C) of the Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986, 6F(3) of the Ombudsman Act 1976 and 50(2) of the Privacy Act 1988.

132  Subsection 32A(1)

Omit “which are issued on or after the day on which the Prime Minister and Cabinet Legislation Amendment Act 1991 commences”.

133  Subsection 32A(5)

Omit “Where”, substitute “If”.

134  Subsection 32B(1)

After “AGO”, insert “, DIO”.

135  Subsection 33(2)

Omit “Where”, substitute “If”.

136  Before subsection 34(1)

Insert:

Offence—unauthorised disclosure of information acquired under this Act

137  Subsection 34(1)

Omit “a person who is, or has at any time been, the InspectorGeneral or a member of the staff of the InspectorGeneral or who is acting, or has at any time acted, as the InspectorGeneral or as a member of the staff of the InspectorGeneral shall”, substitute “a person who is an IGIS official, or former IGIS official, must”.

138  Paragraphs 34(1)(a) and (b)

After “information”, insert “or document”.

139  Before subsection 34(1AA)

Insert:

Offence—unauthorised disclosure of information acquired under the Freedom of Information Act 1982

140  Subsection 34(1AA)

Omit “a person who is, or has at any time been, the InspectorGeneral or a member of the staff of the InspectorGeneral or who is acting, or has at any time acted, as the InspectorGeneral or as a member of the staff of the InspectorGeneral”, substitute “a person who is an IGIS official, or former IGIS official,”.

141  Paragraphs 34(1AA)(a) and (b)

After “information”, insert “or document”.

142  Before subsection 34(1AB)

Insert:

Offence—unauthorised disclosure of information acquired under the Archives Act 1983

143  Subsection 34(1AB)

Omit “a person who is, or has at any time been, the InspectorGeneral or a member of the staff of the InspectorGeneral or who is acting, or has at any time acted, as the InspectorGeneral or as a member of the staff of the InspectorGeneral”, substitute “a person who is an IGIS official, or former IGIS official,”.

144  Paragraphs 34(1AB)(a) and (b)

After “information”, insert “or document”.

145  Before subsection 34(1A)

Insert:

Exception

146  Paragraph 34(1A)(a)

After “information”, insert “or document”.

147  Before subsection 34(2)

Insert:

Dealing with offence as indictable or summary offence

148  Subsection 34(4)

Omit “Where”, substitute “If”.

149  Before subsection 34(5)

Insert:

Limitation on disclosures to courts

150  Subsection 34(5)

Omit “If a person is prohibited by this section from disclosing information, the person”, substitute “A person who is an IGIS official, or former IGIS official,”.

151  Subsection 34(5)

Omit “except where”, substitute “except if”.

152  After subsection 34(5)

Insert:

Section generally to apply despite other laws

 (5A) This section applies despite any other provision of a law of the Commonwealth unless that provision manifests a clear intention to apply despite this section (for example, by explicitly authorising or requiring an IGIS official to use or disclose information).

Note: A requirement in a law of the Commonwealth that applies generally to an APS employee, and does not refer explicitly to an IGIS official, would not manifest a clear intention to apply despite this section.

 (5B) This section applies despite any provision of a law of a State or Territory.

153  Before subsection 34(6)

Insert:

Definitions for this section

154  Subsection 34A(4)

Omit “a staff member or former staff member”, substitute “an IGIS official or former IGIS official”.

155  Subsection 34A(5)

Omit “staff member or former staff member”, substitute “IGIS official or former IGIS official”.

156  Paragraph 34A(5)(a)

Omit “a staff member”, substitute “an IGIS official”.

157  Subsection 34A(6)

Omit “a staff member or a former staff member”, substitute “an IGIS official or a former IGIS official”.

158  Subsection 34A(7) (definition of staff member)

Repeal the definition.

159  Section 34B

Repeal the section.

160  Before subsection 35(2)

Insert:

Contents of annual report

161  Subsection 35(2)

Omit “shall”, substitute “must”.

162  Paragraph 35(2AA)(b)

Omit “section 32AA”, substitute “subsection 32AA(1)”.

163  After subsection 35(2C)

Insert:

 (2D) The InspectorGeneral may include in a report referred to in subsection (2) the InspectorGeneral’s comments on any other activity of the InspectorGeneral during the period to which the report relates.

Report to be given to the Leader of the Opposition

164  Before subsection 35(4)

Insert:

Tabling of annual report

165  Subsection 35(4)

Omit “shall”, substitute “must”.

Part 2Consequential amendments

Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986

166  Subsection 20(1) (note)

Omit “32AD”, substitute “32AG”.

167  Subsection 46P(1) (note 2)

Omit “32AD”, substitute “32AG”.

168  Subsection 46PZ(1)

Omit “32AD”, substitute “32AG”.

Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979

169  Section 4 (paragraph (b) of the definition of IGIS official)

Omit “a member of the staff referred to in”, substitute “any other person covered by”.

170  Subsection 18(2B)

Repeal the subsection, substitute:

Exception—IGIS officials

 (2B) Subsection (2) does not apply if the person communicates the information or matter to an IGIS official for the purpose of the IGIS official exercising a power, or performing a function or duty, as an IGIS official.

Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (2B) (see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code).

171  Subsection 18A(2A)

Repeal the subsection, substitute:

Exception—IGIS officials

 (2A) Subsection (1) does not apply if the person deals with the record for the purpose of an IGIS official exercising a power, or performing a function or duty, as an IGIS official.

Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (2A) (see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code).

172  Subsection 18B(2A)

Repeal the subsection, substitute:

Exception—IGIS officials

 (2A) Subsection (1) does not apply if the person makes the record for the purpose of an IGIS official exercising a power, or performing a function or duty, as an IGIS official.

Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (2A) (see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code).

173  Paragraph 35P(3)(f)

Repeal the paragraph, substitute:

 (f) to an IGIS official for the purpose of exercising powers, or performing functions or duties, as an IGIS official; or

174  Paragraph 35P(3)(g)

Omit “under that Act”, substitute “as an IGIS official”.

175  Subsection 35P(3) (note)

Repeal the note, substitute:

Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in subsection (3) (see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code).

Crimes Act 1914

176  Subsection 3(1)

Insert:

IGIS official (short for InspectorGeneral of Intelligence and Security official) means:

 (a) the InspectorGeneral of Intelligence and Security; or

 (b) any other person covered by subsection 32(1) of the InspectorGeneral of Intelligence and Security Act 1986.

177  After paragraph 15LC(4)(d)

Insert:

 (db) for the purpose of an IGIS official exercising a power, or performing a function or duty, as an IGIS official; or

Criminal Code Act 1995

178  Subparagraph 122.5(3)(a)(i) of the Criminal Code

Omit “a person engaged or employed to assist the InspectorGeneral as described in”, substitute “a person covered by”.

Income Tax Assessment Act 1997

179  Subsection 9951(1)

Insert:

IGIS official (short for InspectorGeneral of Intelligence and Security official) means:

 (a) the InspectorGeneral of Intelligence and Security; or

 (b) any other person covered by subsection 32(1) of the InspectorGeneral of Intelligence and Security Act 1986.

Intelligence Services Act 2001

180  Subsection 3(1) (paragraph (b) of the definition of IGIS official)

Omit “a member of the staff referred to in”, substitute “a person covered by”.

181  Subsections 39(3), 39A(3), 40(3) and 40B(3)

Repeal the subsections, substitute:

Exception—IGIS officials

 (3) Subsection (1) does not apply if the person communicates the information or matter to an IGIS official for the purpose of the IGIS official exercising a power, or performing a function or duty, as an IGIS official.

Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (3): see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.

182  Subsection 40C(2A)

Repeal the subsection, substitute:

Exception—IGIS officials

 (2A) Subsection (1) does not apply if the person deals with the record for the purpose of an IGIS official exercising a power, or performing a function or duty, as an IGIS official.

Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (2A): see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.

183  Subsection 40D(2A)

Repeal the subsection, substitute:

Exception—IGIS officials

 (2A) Subsection (1) does not apply if the person makes the record for the purpose of an IGIS official exercising a power, or performing a function or duty, as an IGIS official.

Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (2A): see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.

184  Subsection 40E(2A)

Repeal the subsection, substitute:

Exception—IGIS officials

 (2A) Subsection (1) does not apply if the person deals with the record for the purpose of an IGIS official exercising a power, or performing a function or duty, as an IGIS official.

Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (2A): see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.

185  Subsection 40F(2A)

Repeal the subsection, substitute:

Exception—IGIS officials

 (2A) Subsection (1) does not apply if the person makes the record for the purpose of an IGIS official exercising a power, or performing a function or duty, as an IGIS official.

Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (2A): see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.

186  Subsection 40G(2A)

Repeal the subsection, substitute:

Exception—IGIS officials

 (2A) Subsection (1) does not apply if the person deals with the record for the purpose of an IGIS official exercising a power, or performing a function or duty, as an IGIS official.

Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (2A): see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.

187  Subsection 40H(2A)

Repeal the subsection, substitute:

Exception—IGIS officials

 (2A) Subsection (1) does not apply if the person makes the record for the purpose of an IGIS official exercising a power, or performing a function or duty, as an IGIS official.

Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (2A): see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.

188  Subsection 40L(2A)

Repeal the subsection, substitute:

Exception—IGIS officials

 (2A) Subsection (1) does not apply if the person deals with the record for the purpose of an IGIS official exercising a power, or performing a function or duty, as an IGIS official.

Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (2A): see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.

189  Subsection 40M(2A)

Repeal the subsection, substitute:

Exception—IGIS officials

 (2A) Subsection (1) does not apply if the person makes the record for the purpose of an IGIS official exercising a power, or performing a function or duty, as an IGIS official.

Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (2A): see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.

190  Section 41

Before “A”, insert “(1)”.

191  At the end of section 41

Add:

Exception—IGIS officials

 (2) Paragraph (1)(a) does not apply if the person identifies the person to an IGIS official, for the purpose of the IGIS official exercising a power, or performing a function or duty, as an IGIS official.

Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (2): see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.

192  Subsection 41B(3) (at the end of the definition of information offence provision)

Add “or paragraph 41(1)(a)”.

Office of National Intelligence Act 2018

193  Subsection 4(1) (paragraph (b) of the definition of InspectorGeneral of Intelligence and Security official or IGIS official)

Omit “a member of the staff referred to in”, substitute “a person covered by”.

Ombudsman Act 1976

194  Section 5B

Omit “32AD”, substitute “32AG”.

Privacy Act 1988

195  Section 49B

Omit “32AD”, substitute “32AG”.

Public Interest Disclosure Act 2013

196  Section 34 (table item 1, column 2, paragraph (c))

Before “if”, insert “except if paragraph (ca) applies,”.

197  Paragraph 69(3)(b)

Omit “who is a member of the staff referred to in”, substitute “covered by”.

198  Subsection 77(3)

Omit “a member of staff mentioned in section 32”, substitute “a person covered by subsection 32(1)”.

Surveillance Devices Act 2004

199  At the end of subsection 45(5)

Add:

 ; (l) an IGIS official exercising powers, or performing functions or duties, as an IGIS official.

Taxation Administration Act 1953

200  Section 355185 in Schedule 1

Repeal the section, substitute:

355185  Exception—ondisclosure to IGIS officials

 (1) Section 355155 does not apply if:

 (a) the entity is an officer of an *Australian government agency; and

 (b) the record is made for, or the disclosure is to, an *IGIS official; and

 (c) the record or disclosure is for the purposes of the IGIS official performing functions or duties, or exercising powers, as an IGIS official.

Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in this subsection: see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.

 (2) Section 355155 does not apply if:

 (a) the entity is an *IGIS official; and

 (b) the information was acquired by the entity under subsection (1) or this subsection; and

 (c) the record or disclosure is for the purposes of the IGIS official performing functions or duties, or exercising powers, as an IGIS official.

Telecommunications Act 1997

201  Section 7

Insert:

IGIS official (short for InspectorGeneral of Intelligence and Security official) means:

 (a) the InspectorGeneral of Intelligence and Security; or

 (b) any other person covered by subsection 32(1) of the InspectorGeneral of Intelligence and Security Act 1986.

202  Subsection 315H(1)

Omit “either or both”, substitute “any”.

203  After paragraph 315H(1)(b)

Insert:

 ; (c) the purpose of an IGIS official exercising a power, or performing a function or duty, as an IGIS official.

204  Section 317B (definition of IGIS official)

Repeal the definition.

Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979

205  Subsection 63AB(3)

Repeal the subsection, substitute:

Communications etc. for the purposes of integrity body officials

 (3) A person may:

 (a) communicate information referred to in subsection (4) to a person; or

 (b) make use of, or make a record of, that information;

in connection with:

 (c) the performance by an Ombudsman official or IGIS official of the official’s functions or duties; or

 (d) the exercise by an Ombudsman official or IGIS official of the official’s powers.

206  Subsection 63AB(4)

Repeal the subsection, substitute:

 (4) The information that may be communicated, used or recorded under subsection (3) is:

 (a) general computer access intercept information; or

 (b) information that was obtained by intercepting a communication passing over a telecommunications system if:

 (i) the interception was purportedly for the purposes of doing a thing specified in a general computer access warrant; and

 (ii) the interception was not authorised by the general computer access warrant.

207  Subsection 63AB(5)

Repeal the subsection, substitute:

 (5) Despite subsections 13.3(2) and (3) of the Criminal Code, in a prosecution for an offence against section 63 of this Act, an Ombudsman official does not bear an evidential burden in relation to the matters in subsection (3) of this section.

Note: An IGIS official also does not bear an evidential burden in relation to the matters in subsection (3) of this section (see section 34C of the InspectorGeneral of Intelligence and Security Act 1986).

208  Subsection 63AB(6)

Repeal the subsection.

209  Section 64 (heading)

Omit “or InspectorGeneral’s”.

210  Subsection 64(1)

Omit “or the performance by the InspectorGeneral of Intelligence and Security of his or her functions”.

211  Subsection 64(2)

Repeal the subsection, substitute:

 (2) The DirectorGeneral of Security, an ASIO employee or ASIO affiliate, in connection with the performance by the Organisation of its functions, may communicate to another such person, make use of, or make a record of, foreign intelligence information.

212  After section 64

Insert:

64A  Dealing in connection with InspectorGeneral’s functions

 (1) A person may, in connection with an IGIS official exercising a power, or performing a function or duty, as an IGIS official, communicate to another person, make use of, or make a record of, the following:

 (a) information obtained by intercepting a communication passing over a telecommunications system (whether or not that information is lawfully intercepted information);

 (b) interception warrant information.

 (2) This section applies despite any other provision of this Part.

213  Subsection 73(1)

Omit “section 67”, substitute “section 64A or 67”.

214  After section 139

Insert:

139AA  Dealing in connection with InspectorGeneral’s functions

 (1) A person may, in connection with an IGIS official exercising a power, or performing a function or duty, as an IGIS official, communicate to another person, make use of, or make a record of, the following:

 (a) lawfully accessed information;

 (b) information obtained by accessing a stored communication (whether or not that information is lawfully accessed information);

 (c) preservation notice information;

 (d) stored communications warrant information.

 (2) This section applies despite any other provision of this Part.

215  Section 142

After “section 139,”, insert “139AA,”.

216  Paragraph 181A(3)(c)

Repeal the paragraph, substitute:

 (c) the disclosure is:

 (i) to an IGIS official for the purpose of exercising a power, or performing a function or duty, as an IGIS official; or

 (ii) by an IGIS official in connection with the IGIS official exercising powers, or performing functions or duties, as an IGIS official.

217  Paragraph 181A(6)(c)

Repeal the paragraph, substitute:

 (c) the use is by an IGIS official in connection with the IGIS official exercising powers, or performing functions or duties, as an IGIS official.

218  After paragraph 181B(3)(b)

Insert:

 ; or (c) the disclosure is:

 (i) to an IGIS official for the purpose of exercising a power, or performing a function or duty, as an IGIS official; or

 (ii) by an IGIS official in connection with the IGIS official exercising powers, or performing functions or duties, as an IGIS official.

219  After paragraph 181B(6)(b)

Insert:

 ; or (c) the use is by an IGIS official in connection with the IGIS official exercising powers, or performing functions or duties, as an IGIS official.

220  Paragraph 182(2)(b)

Repeal the paragraph, substitute:

 (b) the disclosure is:

 (i) to an IGIS official for the purpose of exercising a power, or performing a function or duty, as an IGIS official; or

 (ii) by an IGIS official in connection with the IGIS official exercising powers, or performing functions or duties, as an IGIS official.

221  Paragraph 182(3)(b)

Repeal the paragraph, substitute:

 (b) the use is by an IGIS official in connection with the IGIS official exercising powers, or performing functions or duties, as an IGIS official.

222  Paragraphs 182B(c) and (d)

Repeal the paragraphs, substitute:

 (c) in the case of a disclosure—the disclosure is:

 (i) to an IGIS official for the purpose of exercising a power, or performing a function or duty, as an IGIS official; or

 (ii) by an IGIS official in connection with the IGIS official exercising powers, or performing functions or duties, as an IGIS official; or

 (d) in the case of a use—the use is by an IGIS official in connection with the IGIS official exercising powers, or performing functions or duties, as an IGIS official.

Schedule 2Amendments contingent on the National AntiCorruption Commission Act

Part 1Amendments that commence after the National AntiCorruption Commission Act

InspectorGeneral of Intelligence and Security Act 1986

1  Subsection 32AC(6) (note)

Repeal the note, substitute:

Note: This section applies subject to sections 100 to 102 of the National AntiCorruption Commission Act 2022, including those sections as modified by section 214 of that Act.

2  Section 32AG (note)

Omit “23A of the Law Enforcement Integrity Commissioner Act 2006,”.

National AntiCorruption Commission Act 2022

3  Subsection 101(3)

Omit “section 34B”, substitute “section 32AC”.

Part 2Amendments contingent on the National AntiCorruption Commission Act that might not commence

Law Enforcement Integrity Commissioner Act 2006

4  Paragraph 23A(a)

Omit “32AD”, substitute “32AG”.

5  At the end of section 90

Add:

Relationship with the InspectorGeneral of Intelligence and Security Act 1986

 (8) If the Integrity Commissioner gives a direction under subsection (1) in accordance with subsection (3C), subsection (6) has effect in relation to any contravention of the direction despite section 32AC of the InspectorGeneral of Intelligence and Security Act 1986.

Schedule 3Application and transitional provisions

 

1  Application—main amendments of the InspectorGeneral of Intelligence and Security Act 1986

General application provision

(1) The amendments of the InspectorGeneral of Intelligence and Security Act 1986 made by Part 1 of Schedule 1 to this Act apply (subject to this item) in relation to inquiries under that Act:

 (a) commenced after the commencement of that Schedule (whether in response to a complaint, a request or on the InspectorGeneral of Intelligence and Security’s own motion); and

 (b) into complaints made to the InspectorGeneral before the commencement of that Schedule (except in relation to action taken by ONI or DIO) if:

 (i) the InspectorGeneral has not completed any preliminary inquiries under section 14 of that Act before that time; or

 (ii) the InspectorGeneral has not made a decision on whether to commence an inquiry before that time;

whether the action to which the inquiry relates was taken before or after that commencement.

(2) Subitem (1) does not relate to a disclosure of information which has been allocated under section 43 of the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2013 before that commencement.

Appointments as InspectorGeneral

(3) The amendments of section 30 of the InspectorGeneral of Intelligence and Security Act 1986 made by Part 1 of Schedule 1 apply in relation to any appointment that is in force immediately before, or made after, the commencement of that Schedule.

Amendments relating to giving information etc.

(4) The amendments of section 18 of the InspectorGeneral of Intelligence and Security Act 1986, apply in relation to any information or document given or produced, or question answered, after the commencement of Schedule 1 (whether in compliance with a notice given, or in relation to information or a document obtained, before or after that commencement).

Obligations on InspectorGeneral

(5) Section 17A of the InspectorGeneral of Intelligence and Security Act 1986 applies in relation to any inspection, preliminary inquiry or inquiry (as the case requires) begun after the commencement of Schedule 1.

(6) Despite the repeal of subsection 17(10) of the InspectorGeneral of Intelligence and Security Act 1986 by Part 1 of Schedule 1, that subsection continues to apply, after the commencement of that Schedule, in relation to inquiries begun before that commencement, whether or not the opinion mentioned in that subsection was formed before or after that commencement.

Arrangements and agreements of InspectorGeneral

(7) Sections 32AAC and 32AAD of the InspectorGeneral of Intelligence and Security Act 1986 do not affect any arrangement or agreement that is made before the commencement of Schedule 1.

(8) Section 32AB of the InspectorGeneral of Intelligence and Security Act 1986 applies in relation to any functions performed after the commencement of Schedule 1.

Protection for persons providing information

(9) Section 32AC of the InspectorGeneral of Intelligence and Security Act 1986 (as inserted by Part 1 of Schedule 1) applies in relation to any information or document provided or made available, whether before or after the commencement of Schedule 1.

Security of Commonwealth agency information and documents

(10) Section 32AD of the InspectorGeneral of Intelligence and Security Act 1986 (as inserted by Part 1 of Schedule 1) applies in relation to any inspection, preliminary inquiry, other action or inquiry begun after the commencement of Schedule 1.

Security of Commonwealth agency information and documents

(11) Despite the repeal of section 20 of the InspectorGeneral of Intelligence and Security Act 1986 by Part 1 of Schedule 1, that section continues to apply, after the commencement of that Schedule, in relation to any inquiry begun before that commencement.

Authorisation for the purposes of the Privacy Act 1988

(12) Section 32AE of the of the InspectorGeneral of Intelligence and Security Act 1986 (as inserted by Part 1 of Schedule 1) applies in relation to any personal information given or made available after the commencement of Schedule 1 (whether or not the information was obtained before or after that commencement).

Giving directions and guidelines

(13) The amendments of section 32B of the InspectorGeneral of Intelligence and Security Act 1986 apply in relation to any direction or guideline that is:

 (a) given after the commencement of Schedule 1; or

 (b) in force immediately before that commencement.

Secrecy

(14) To avoid doubt, section 34 of the InspectorGeneral of Intelligence and Security Act 1986 applies after the commencement of Schedule 1 to this Act in relation to any person who has acted as the InspectorGeneral or as a member of the staff of the InspectorGeneral before that commencement.

Reporting on preliminary inquiries

(15) To avoid doubt, section 25B of the InspectorGeneral of Intelligence and Security Act 1986 applies after the commencement of Schedule 1 to this Act, in relation to preliminary inquiries made by the InspectorGeneral before or after that commencement.

2  Application of amendments in Part 2 of Schedule 1

The amendments made by Part 2 of Schedule 1 to this Act apply (subject to this item) in relation to the making, disclosing or using (however described) of information, documents or records (however described) after the commencement of that Schedule (whether the information, documents or records were obtained before or after that time).

 

 

 

 

[Minister’s second reading speech made in—

House of Representatives on 30 November 2022

Senate on 23 March 2023]

 

(143/22)