The Telecommunications Interception and Intelligence Services Legislation Amendment Bill 2010 has been passed through Federal Parliament.

 

The Bill will enable the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), the Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS), the Defence Signals Directorate (DSD) and the Defence Imagery and Geospatial Organisation (DIGO) to more closely cooperate and assist one another in support of key national security priorities.

 

The Bill also provides greater flexibility for ASIO to share intelligence and information with the broader national security community, within strict guidelines. It will also enable ASIO to cooperate with and provide assistance to law enforcement agencies in relation to telecommunications interception and other areas of expertise such as technical support, logistics and analytical advice.

 

The legislation also contains an amendment to expand the size of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security which has an important oversight role of Australia’s national security and intelligence agencies.