Labor wants Australia's intelligence and security agencies to be more closely monitored.

Opposition frontbencher Jenny McAllister is introducing legislation to enhance oversight of the agencies, which was recommended by a Coalition government review three years ago.

“Strong and effective oversight mechanisms do not stand in opposition to our national security arrangements - they are best understood as an essential part of them,” she said this week.

Senator McAllister is calling on parliament's powerful national security committee to work with federal government watchdogs, with both given oversight of the intelligence activities at the Department of Home Affairs.

“Strong and effective oversight measures do not represent a lack of trust in the intelligence community,” Senator McAllister said.

“They represent an investment in the trust they need to successfully perform their roles and protect the community within a democracy.”

The government is looking at ways to give security agencies more powers to disrupt the online activities of Australian paedophiles.