What was debated in Parliament
Summarised using AI from the official Hansard transcript of the debate only. It is not a record of the debate and may leave things out. Read the Hansard below to check it.
This bill changes ASIO's power to compel people to attend and answer questions. As introduced, it made the power permanent by removing its sunset date, added new grounds such as sabotage, promotion of communal violence and threats to border integrity, and tightened some safeguards. The debate focused on whether these extraordinary powers should be permanent and wider, and on their use for children aged 14 to 17; in the Senate the Government agreed to keep a three-year sunset and a committee review after two years.
Arguments made in support
The Government said the security environment is worsening, and ASIO needs these powers to respond to a wider range of modern threats.
Government and Coalition speakers said the powers have been used only about 20 times in 22 years, showing restraint rather than overreach.
Supporters pointed to safeguards: Attorney-General approval, an independent prescribed authority, oversight by the Inspector-General, and questioning of charged people only before a retired judge.
The Government said a growing share of counter-terrorism cases involve minors, so it kept the power to question 14 to 17 year olds.
Coalition senators supported the bill once the Government agreed to restore a three-year sunset clause.
Arguments made against, or for changes
Independents Kate Chaney, Allegra Spender and Zali Steggall moved amendments to keep a sunset or require regular review, saying extraordinary powers need regular checks.
Critics said ASIO and Home Affairs had earlier said border security grounds and questioning of minors were not needed.
The Greens, Senator Pocock and Senator Antic opposed the bill, citing people questioned without suspicion, limits on lawyers, and no judge approving warrants.
One Nation said 'promotion of communal violence' was too vague, moved amendments including one to name radical Islamic extremism, and opposed the bill.
Greens senators objected to the Senate debate being limited by a guillotine.
96 speeches by 38 members in the House and Senate over 7 sitting days.
Hansard: House of Representatives, 23 July 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 5 Feb 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 11 Feb 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 12 Feb 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 3 Mar 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 14 May 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 20 Aug 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Every party member who voted went with the majority of their party.